Ghana’s Black Princesses endured a difficult start to their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to tournament debutants Ecuador in their opening Group C match in Poland on Sunday.
The West Africans were dealt an early setback when Ecuador found the breakthrough just two minutes into the contest, immediately putting Ghana on the back foot.
Head coach Charles Sampson was forced to make do without suspended centre-back Margaret Agyapomaa, who was sent off during the final qualifying match against Uganda.
The Black Princesses struggled to gain control of the game and found it difficult to build meaningful attacks against a well-organised Ecuadorian side. As Ghana searched for a way back into the contest, Ecuador struck again just before half-time to double their advantage.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, Ghana hoped to mount a second-half comeback. However, those hopes were dashed when Ecuador added a third goal 24 minutes after the restart to seal a convincing victory and claim all three points.
The result marks another disappointing opening-game performance for the Black Princesses, who have now managed just one win in their first matches at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since making their tournament debut in 2010.
Ghana will now turn their attention to crucial Group C fixtures against South Korea and France. The two sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the group’s other opening match, leaving the Black Princesses with work to do if they are to progress to the knockout stage.
