Ghana’s Black Princesses came from behind to beat Eswatini 6-1 in the first leg of the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
Ghana conceded early in the fifth minute through a defensive blunder which saw the hosts put the ball beyond goalkeeper Afi Amenyaku.
Coach Yussif Basigi’s side pulled even in the 10th minute as Beline Nyarko’s cross was fired into the top right corner by Mercy Attobra. Thereafter, the Princesses took control of the game and began pounding the Eswatini’s goal area with sustained attacks.
Nyarko came close to giving the Princesses the lead but the attacker failed to utilise the scoring chance that fell her way. However, she made amends in the 28th minute after beautifully connecting with Hellen Alormenu’s cross.
The Black Princesses continued to dominate possession in midfield and in attack to take a 2-1 lead into half-time.
After recess the Ghanaians went on the rampage as Wasiima Mohammed’s superb strike at the edge of the 18-yard box extended the lead to 3-1 in the 49th minute before Success Ameyaa set up Sarah Nyarko for the fourth goal in the 59th minute.
The home side caved in to pressure from Ghana and scored an own goal in the 80th minute.
With four minutes of regulation time left on the clock Attobra grabbed her brace to end the game 6-1 in favour of the Black Princesses who have home advantage in the return leg encounter on Sunday, November 19 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Source: GraphicOnline
