Two losses and Satellites face early exit from World Cup

The Black Satellites lost their second successive group game in the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey and now face an imminent exit, succumbing 1:0 to European champions, Spain.

They had earlier lost their opening group game 3:1 to France.

But against Spain was a game the Ghanaians should have won or at least picked a point, rising from a 13th minute set-back to press for goals of their own.

With the win Spain have thus qualified for the last 16 with a game to spare.

The decisive goal arrived in 13 minutes, Jese goal from close range after Denis Suarez did superbly on the left to beat his man and deliver an inch-perfect low cutback.

Ghana came close to hitting back through Clifford Aboagye seven minutes later but despite Daniel Sotres being unable to hold the shot, the Spain keeper was able to gather at the second attempt. Suarez, having proved so adept in supplying goals, then proved wanting when it came to scoring them, shooting over from close range after finding himself free in the Black Satellites’ area.

The second half was almost all Ghana. Yiadom Boakye wasted one of the best opportunities, creating space for himself with a superb piece of footwork inside the box only to blaze over when it appeared easier to score. Frank Acheampong then went close with a header with 20 minutes remaining, while Joseph Duncan forced a good save from Sortres with a half -volley from the edge of the area.

But all Ghana’s pressure was to no avail and they now face a must-win encounter with USA in Thursday’s concluding Group B fixtures.


Credit: FIFA.com