The ongoing FIFA U-20 world cup being hosted in Columbia welcomed Austria who have for the first time qualified to the tournament at any level for the women team. With Ghana being a regular in tournament, it was assumed they would break their spell of exiting in the group stages as they have for their past six (6) appreances.
The game which started calm started to look intense as the newcomers started to give their seniors a run for their money with the Black princesses of Ghana looking scared and intimidated to even string passes together. With poor control and lack of teamwork, the Black princesses struggled to get control as the newbies took charge and dominated the game.
As they already made history by being at the tournament, their focus was different knowing they could make further history should they take their seniors on for the maximum point. Poor goalkeeping and defensive blunders in the heart of the Ghanaian defense gave Austria the urge which they capitalized on in the first half of the game. Hannah Fankhauser, the 17-year-old gave her side the lead after an opening to secure their first every goal at the women FIFA world cup at any level.
The Black princesses started to put some passed together but it wasn’t enough to break the will of the Austrians who had come with a mission their weren’t going to dent.
Ghanaian skipper, Stella Nyamekye on the day proved why she deserved the skipper role as she carried the team on her shoulders from the inner perimeter to the goal front of the Austrians, her exploits in front of goal almost gifted Ghana two goals as her rocket shot was saved by an equally good pair of hands.
In the second half, the Austrian after calling for a review on VAR were awarded a spot kick where Nicole Ojukwu slotted it in with ease to give t Austrians a two goal lead. Stella Nyamekye who wasn’t going to let things slid continued her fine form as she blasted one from outside the 18 yard box where Mariella El Sherif could not save to pull one back for the Black Princesses.
As time run out on he Ghanaian team, the Austrians held on tight to their lead and continued to celebrate their history with a 2-1 win over Ghana. With disappointment looming on the faces of the Ghanaian team and knowing they will face Japan and New Zealand in their next games, it would be time to visit the drawing board to break the curse of exiting in the group stages of the competition yet again.
Photo Credit: FIFA
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He is also a father of 4 children and married to His partner Moana who is of Australian descent. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
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