Ghana beat South Korea to revive U20 Women’s World Cup knockout hopes

Ghana’s Black Princesses have boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup for the first time in eight appearances after securing a convincing 3-1 victory over South Korea on Wednesday.

The result, recorded in Group C, puts Ghana on three points from two matches and keeps their hopes of progressing to the next round firmly alive.

Sarah Nyarko broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a long-range effort that gave Ghana a deserved lead. The midfielder found the back of the net from distance to put the Black Princesses in control after a goalless first half.

Ghana quickly doubled their advantage three minutes later through Ivy Osei Owusu.

Osei Owusu showed composure to produce a beautiful chip over the South Korean goalkeeper in the 55th minute, giving Ghana a two-goal cushion and putting them in a commanding position.

The Black Princesses continued to press for more and were rewarded again in the 84th minute when Ruth Amponsah extended the lead to 3-0.

South Korea managed a consolation goal deep into stoppage time, with B. Ye-jo scoring in the fifth minute of added time, but Ghana held on comfortably to claim all three points.

The victory moves Ghana into second place in Group C, level on three points with Ecuador.

Ghana’s goal difference remains inferior to Ecuador’s, with the Black Princesses having scored three goals and conceded four across their opening two matches.

The Black Princesses began their campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Ecuador, making Wednesday’s victory crucial to their hopes of advancing from the group.

With one match remaining, Ghana will now turn their attention to France, knowing another positive result could secure their place in the knockout stage.

The Black Princesses are seeking to make history by reaching the knockout phase for the first time in their eighth appearance at the U20 Women’s World Cup.