Black Princesses Exit U-20 World Cup Despite Convincing Victory Over New Zealand
Ghana’s Black Princesses have exited the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup at the group stage despite a 3-1 victory over New Zealand in their final group match, finishing third in Group E behind Japan and Austria with only three points and goal deficit of negative 3.
A brace from Salamatu Abdulai and a late strike from Tracy Boakye secured the win for Ghana, while Manaia Elliott scored a consolation goal for New Zealand.
Although the win gave Ghana three points, it was not enough to keep their hopes alive, as Argentina’s victory over Costa Rica in Group F sealed the final third-best-place slot. With that result, the Princesses’ fate was sealed, ending their 2024 World Cup journey in Colombia.
The Princesses’ campaign started on a disappointing note with a 2-1 loss to tournament debutants Austria, followed by a 4-1 defeat to 2018 champions Japan. These two losses left Ghana’s chances of advancing hanging by a thread.
Going into the final group match, Coach Yussif Basigi hoped for a slip-up from Argentina to open the door for Ghana to progress as one of the third best placed teams. He made a bold decision by benching first-choice goalkeeper Afi Amenyeku, handing Jenna Sapong her debut. However, Argentina’s win over Costa Rica rendered Ghana’s clash with New Zealand a dead rubber.
Despite their elimination, the Princesses put on a spirited performance against New Zealand. Salamatu Abdulai’s clinical finishing helped Ghana take control of the match, and Tracy Boakye’s late strike sealed the victory. However, the victory could not undo the earlier setbacks, as Ghana once again fell short of advancing past the group stages.
The Black Princesses have now made seven appearances at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, but each time they have been unable to progress beyond the group stage.