Ghana’s Black Princesses bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Ecuador with a convincing 3-1 victory over South Korea in their second Group game at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Wednesday, September 9.
The Black Princesses, making their eighth appearance at the tournament, suffered a 3-0 defeat to debutants Ecuador in their opening game and went into Wednesday’s encounter needing a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
South Korea also came into the game looking for their first win after drawing with France in their opening match.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with both teams unable to find the breakthrough as the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.
Ghana, however, returned from the break with renewed determination and broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute through captain Sarah Nyarko.
Just three minutes later, Ivy Osei Owusu doubled Ghana’s advantage to put the Black Princesses firmly in control of the game.
The Ghanaian side continued to push for more goals as they looked to strengthen their position in the group, and their efforts were rewarded in the 84th minute when South Korea defender Nam Seung-Eun turned the ball into her own net to make it 3-0.
South Korea pulled one goal back in the fifth minute of additional time through Beom Yung, but Ghana held on to secure a crucial 3-1 victory.
Captain Sarah Nyarko was named Player of the Match after leading the team to an important three points.
Head coach Charles Sampson praised his players for showing the character, belief and determination needed to respond after the disappointing opening-day result.
“The team actually really showed up. They showed up with the character that we know they have in the team, the belief they have for themselves and each other, and today they exhibited it exactly how it should be, with a lot of enthusiasm and passion”.
“They made up their mind that we were going to take this day, and that’s what happened. Pressure is part of it, but we don’t let that destabilise us.
“We came here with an aim, and we have known for a long time that we have these three countries to play against. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted in the first game, but now we have a result that brings us back into the game. “We are approaching the France game to get the points that are needed to go further. That’s our aim.”
Captain and Player of the Match Sarah Nyarko was pleased with the victory but admitted that the team was disappointed to concede late.
“Though we are happy with the win and grabbing the three maximum points, we are disappointed with the goal we conceded in additional time. We were supposed to keep a clean sheet.
“We will work hard going into the third game and fight to qualify from the group stage. It is one of our goals in this competition.”
The Black Princesses will now turn their attention to their final group game against France, with qualification for the knockout stage firmly in their sights.
By: Victoria Kwofie
