A goal in each half lifted a resilient Ghana Black Maidens to a 2-0 win over Korea DPR, for a bright start to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group B campaign at Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceño in Liberia, Costa Rica.
Korea DPR started promisingly and dominated early possession, but it was the Ghanaians who netted with their first real attack.
Laadi Issaka made a great run down the left, and her low cross in the 17th minute found Jane Ayieyam who slotted home from 12 yards for her fifth goal in her sixth U-17 World Cup match.
A few minutes later , Sung Hyang Sim had her close-range shot blocked on the line with claims of handball waved away.
The Maidens doubled their advantage six minutes into the second stanza with a shocking defensive mix-up between central defender Pak Sin Jong and goalkeeper Kim Myong Sun, allowing striker Sandra Owusu Ansah to steal the ball and tap into an empty net.
The goal spurred the Koreans into life. The best passing move of the match resulted in a cross from the left finding Ri Pom Hyang, but she was unable to find a finishing touch under pressure.
Within a minute, captain Ri Ji Hyang narrowly pushed a shot wide as Korea DPR found some trademark inner strength and momentum.
The Koreans created several nervous moments around the Ghana penalty area, but failed to convert the chances.
The pace and fluency went out of the game in the latter stages as both teams visibly tired, and the physically stronger Maidens appeared held their lead till the end.
Player of the Match: Sandra Owusu Ansah (Ghana)
