Austria secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup currently being held in Colombia, with goals scored in each half of the match.
Hannah Fankhauster opened the scoring for Austria in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed team play. Laura Spinn delivered a low cross from the right flank, which Valentina Maedl cleverly let pass through her legs, allowing Fankhauster to fire the ball into the net.
Austria’s goalkeeper, Mariella El Sherif, showcased her impressive reflexes by making a crucial save against Stella Nyamekye, keeping Austria in the lead. Despite Ghana’s relentless efforts to equalize, the World Cup debutants managed to maintain their narrow advantage until halftime.
In the second half, Ghana made strategic substitutions, bringing on Mafia Nyame and Beline Nyarkoh for Salamatu Abdulai and Asana Mohammed. Ghana captain Stella Nyamekye came close to scoring with a long-range shot that struck the post in the 52nd minute.
Austria continued to press for a second goal but was denied by a solid block from Afi Amenyeku. Tracey Twum had a chance to equalize for Ghana but headed wide from close range following a precise cross from Comfort Yeboah. Nyamekye almost scored a spectacular goal, but her effort was thwarted by the crossbar.
The match’s second goal came unexpectedly when Asana Alhassan handled the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty. Nicole Ojukwu calmly converted the spot-kick, extending Austria’s lead to 2-0.
Ghana’s Stella Nyamekye managed to pull one back in the 90th minute, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome, as the match ended 2-1 in Austria’s favour.
Ghana will face Japan in their second Group E match on Thursday, September 5, 2024.