The Black Princesses of Ghana endured a tough 4-1 defeat to Japan in their second group stage match at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, held at El Techo Stadium in Bogotá.
Having narrowly lost their opening game to debutants Austria, Ghana entered the match knowing they needed a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive. Despite the setback, a win in their final group match could still see them progress.
Japan started the match with intensity and appeared to take the lead early, but the goal was disallowed. Ghana then had a strong appeal for a penalty in the 32nd minute after Fuka Tsunoda appeared to foul Stella Nyamekye in the box. However, after a VAR review, the referee overturned the decision.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 44th minute when Japan’s Chinari Sasai capitalized on a defensive error to give her team the lead. Moments later, Manaka Matsukubo added a second, nutmegging Ghana goalkeeper Afi Amenyeku just before halftime.
Japan continued their dominance after the break, with Miku Hayama calmly slotting in a third goal just four minutes into the second half. Ghana was handed a lifeline in the 81st minute when they were awarded a penalty, which captain Stella Nyamekye converted to make it 3-1.
However, Japan restored their three-goal advantage in the dying minutes when substitute Miyu Matsunaga made a powerful run and finished into the bottom right corner.
The Black Princesses will now turn their focus to their final group match against New Zealand, set to take place on Sunday, September 8, at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali, where a win is essential for any chance of advancing in the tournament.
