Ghana’s Black Princesses staged a spirited comeback to defeat Uganda 2-1 in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors stunned the home crowd when they took the lead in the 32nd minute, putting Ghana under pressure before the break.
However, the Black Princesses returned for the second half with greater urgency and determination as they searched for a way back into the contest.
Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when substitute Priscilla Mensah rose highest to power home a header and restore parity for Ghana.
Buoyed by the equaliser, the hosts continued to press for a winner but were frustrated on several occasions by Uganda’s goalkeeper, who produced a series of impressive saves.
Ghana eventually found the decisive breakthrough five minutes from time. Latifa Abesik calmly finished a well-worked move after being set up by Jessica Appiah, whose precise delivery from the flank created the opening.
Mensah came close to extending Ghana’s lead in the closing stages, but was denied twice by the woodwork.
The result gives the Black Princesses a slender but valuable advantage ahead of the second leg in Uganda next week.
