Black Princesses of Ghana have been evicted from ongoing FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup despite a 3-1 win over New Zealand in their final group game at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali.
Coach Yussif Basigi made four changes from the team that started in the last game with goalkeeper Jenna Sapong, Sarah Kulible, Jennifer Owusuwaa and Salamatu Abdulai, were all introduced.
In just eight minutes from kickoff, Helena Errington opened the scoring account for New Zealand but was subsequently flagged off for offside after a VAR check.
Seven minutes later, Stella Nyamekye arrived from the right and crossed to Salamatu Abdulai but her effort was too feeble to trouble goalkeeper Maddie Iro.
On the 28th minute, Salamatu Abdulai was picked up on goal by Wasima and the former made no mistake by slotting into the net. Goal was subsequently cancelled after VAR checks.
Eleven minutes into the second half, Helen Alormonu served Jennifer Owusuwaa in an empty net but the latter surprisingly blasted wide.
On the 58th minute, another corner kick was awarded for Ghana and Wasima delivered a great cross which met the header of Veronica Kumah before falling at Salamatu Abdulai who scored from a close range to snatch the lead.
Five minutes later, New Zealand levelled things up through skipper Manaia Elliott who chipped over goalkeeper Jenna Sapong after receiving a sumptuous pass from Emma Pijnenburg.
The Princesses restored their lead few moments later courtesy Salamatu Abdulai- who headed into the net from Stella's cross to complete her brace.
With ten minutes to go, the Junior Ferns nearly got the equalizer again following a towering header from Milly Clegg but goalkeeper Jenna Sapong was equal to the task.
Ghana finally wrapped up the win with a Tracey Twum goal after rebounding Salamatu's earlier chance which was stopped by the goalkeeper.
It ended 3-1 after full time but the Princesses have been eliminated due to Argentina's 1-0 win earlier against Costa Rica.
This the seventh consecutive time they are failing to cross the group phase of the competition.
