Ghana’s hopes for their first win in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup were dashed after a 4-1 defeat to Japan in their second Group E match in Colombia.
The Black Princesses initially showed promise, maintaining composure for the first 40 minutes.
However, Japan broke the deadlock with Sasai’s goal in the 45th minute, followed by Matsukubo’s strike in stoppage time after a goalkeeping error by Afi Amenyeku.
Two more goals in the second half sealed Ghana’s second consecutive loss in the tournament.
In the second half, Mafia Nyame and Mercy Attobra replaced Wasiima Mohammed and Mary Amponsah, but their introduction did little to change the course of the game.
Bayana capitalized on a chaotic goalmouth scramble, scoring Japan’s third goal. Ghana briefly regained hope when Stella Nyamekye converted a penalty after being fouled in the 83rd minute.
However, any chance of a comeback was short-lived as Matsunaga struck once more for Japan, sealing the 4-1 victory and deepening the Black Princesses’ struggles in the tournament.