Colombia 2024: Stella Nyamekye Nets Consolation for Black Princesses in Japan Loss
The Black Princesses of Ghana suffered defeat in their second group game at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Ghana suffered a 1-4 defeat to the 2018 champions to record back-to-back losses in the competition.
Yussif Basigi’s side came into the encounter following defeat to Austria in the first group game but were second favourites in all departments of the game.
Chinari Sasaki opened the scoring in the second minute of added time in the opening half after Afi Amenyeku’s howler to give Japan the lead.
Manaka Matsukubo doubled the lead just before the break as her left-footed effort went through the legs of the Ghanaian goalkeeper. Japan went into recess with a 2-0 lead.
It took five minutes after the break for Japan to get onto the scoresheet again; this time, Miku Hayama beat the offside trap before striking the ball past the onrushing Ghanaian defence.
Stella Nyamekye pulled a goal back for Ghana in the 83rd minute as she converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit.
However, Japan were far from done as Miyu Matsunaga restored their three-goal advantage to make it 4-1.
The defeat on Thursday night means Ghana will now have to win their final group game against New Zealand and hope they make the cut as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stages to advance to the next round.
The game against New Zealand is scheduled for Sunday, September 8.
