Black Princesses Suffer Narrow Defeat to Austria in 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Opener

The Black Princesses of Ghana faced a tough start in their opening match of the ongoing 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, falling to Austria with a score of 1-2.

The match, played on Monday night, saw Yussif Basigi’s side narrowly lose to the tournament debutants, despite a spirited late effort to stage a comeback. Basigi fielded a strong lineup against Markus Hackl’s team, with Ghana entering the game as favorites. However, it was Austria who struck first.

Hannah Frankhauser opened the scoring with a straightforward tap-in following a lapse in the Black Princesses’ defense in the 12th minute. After conceding, Ghana began to find their rhythm, with Stella Nyamekye and Jennifer Owusuaa testing the Austrian goalkeeper, who managed to keep them at bay.

Afi Amenyeku made a crucial save in the dying moments of the first half to keep the score at 0-1 heading into the break.

The Black Princesses returned from the break as the stronger side, creating several chances that should have seen them equalize, but they were unable to convert. In the 70th minute, Ghana conceded a penalty after Asana Alhassan handled the ball, allowing Nicole Ojukwu to convert from the spot and double Austria’s lead.

With 15 minutes remaining, Basigi introduced Mafia Nyame, Beline Nyarkoh, and Mercy Attobrah in an attempt to change the game, and Ghana began to dominate possession.

Stella Nyamekye delivered a stunning strike in the 93rd minute, finally getting a goal back for the Black Princesses and reducing the deficit to 1-2.

Despite the late surge and a dominant spell of possession, Ghana could not find an equalizer, and the match ended in a 1-2 defeat.

The Black Princesses will look to bounce back in their next game against the 2018 champions, Japan, scheduled for Thursday at 22:00 GMT.