A 43rd minute powerful header by Gladys Amfobea of Cape Coast LadyStrikers helped Ghana's Black Maidens to clinch an important win over Germany in Group B and also to become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica.
Having met at both the group stage and the third-place match at the 2012 tournament in Azerbaijan, it was no surprise that the tempo of the game was high marked by exciting attacks and counterattacks from both sides with Amfobea's goal being the only difference.
Lily Niber Lawrence could have earned a contender for goal of the tournament midway through the opening half, however, after dribbling with speed past several defenders, she lost control at the final moment when presented with an opportunity to shoot.
The Germans also had their chances, the best being Lea Schueller’s strong header at close range, but it was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Azume Adams, whose effort on the night earned her the Live Your Goals Player of the match.
Perhaps, having a good idea about the German play from their Azerbaijan meeting, the Maidens took charge and dominated for a greater part of the game unlucky not to have scored more goals as Niber Lawrence missed a couple of decent chances including a 40-metre free-kick which hit the crossbar.
Germany attempted to force the pace in the final stages mostly with long-range shots but despite some end-to-end action, Ghana’s physical strength prevailed and earned a second victory over Germany having beaten them 1-0 for the bronze medal in 2012.
(Group B)
Korea DPR 1-1 Canada
(Group A)
Costa Rica 0-1 Italy
Venezuela 4-0 Zambia
