Black Princesses hold Mexico to stalemate in FIFA U20 world cup warm-up
Ghana’s Black Princesses held Mexico’s U20 Women’s national team to a goalless draw in a keenly contested international friendly, a preparatory fixture ahead of the upcoming FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. The match served as a crucial warm-up for both teams as they gear up for the tournament in Colombia.
The game kicked off with both sides showing intent from the start.
Mexico created an early opening in the 9th minute, but Ghana’s defense stood firm as Afi Amenyeku cleared the danger, preventing the ball from finding the net after a corner kick.
The Black Princesses responded well to the pressure.
Their first notable opportunity came in the 28th minute when forward Salamatu Abdullai found space just outside the box.
However, her shot flew over the bar, missing the target and letting the Mexican defense off the hook.
Despite the missed chance, the match remained evenly balanced, with both teams gradually increasing their tempo in the second half.
Ghana captain Stella Nyamekye led by example, and she came closest to breaking the deadlock with a powerful header.
However, Mexico’s goalkeeper was equal to the task, pulling off a brilliant save to deny Nyamekye and keep the scoreline intact.
The match showcased the defensive discipline and resilience of both teams, as neither could find the breakthrough despite the attacking intent on display.
For Ghana, the friendly proved to be a valuable test of their preparedness ahead of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Speaking after the match, the coaching staff emphasized the importance of such matches for fine-tuning the squad and building confidence.
Both teams used the friendly to rotate their squads and ensure that all players were ready for the challenges ahead.
The FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup kicks off in Colombia on Saturday, August 31, and runs through Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Ghana’s Black Princesses will open their campaign against Austria on September 2 in Group E.
Following that, they will face tough opponents in Japan and New Zealand in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
Ghana’s coach expressed optimism about the team’s performance, noting that the draw against Mexico highlighted the team’s defensive strength but also pointed to areas that needed improvement before their opening game.
“We have to be sharper in the final third, but overall, I’m pleased with the discipline and work rate shown today,” the coach remarked.
As the Black Princesses set their sights on making an impact in the tournament, they will look to build on this performance in their remaining days of preparation.
The friendly against Mexico provided crucial insights, and the team remains determined to rise to the occasion when the World Cup begins.
