The Black Maidens confirmed their place in the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after beating Finland 3-1 in their second group match.
Milot Abena Pokua got the opener before Mukarama Abdulai added the second with Jenni Katanen pulling one back for the Finnish before Grace Animah sealed the game with a third goal for Ghana.
Ghana’s U17 side started of the game from where they left off in the opening game against Uruguay and scored just six minutes into the game.
Milot Abena Pokuaa picked up the ball inside the box and calmly slotted in the opening goal after and end-to-end plsy from both sides.
Ghana increased the tempo of the game pushing Finland back into their own half whiles enjoying a lion’s share of possession.
The exciting play by the Black Maidens yielded results as Mukarama Abdulai’s 13th minute header found the back of the net to give Ghana a two goal lead and take “Muka’s” personal tally to 4 goals so far in the competition.
After the half time recess, a couple of changes from the Finnish coach saw his side gain possession and pile pressure on the Ghanaian defence.
In the 75th minute, Ghana goalie Grace Banwaa’s save could not be cleared quickly as substitute Katanen took advantage of the loose ball to pull one back for her side.
The goal gave Finland an extra urge to pile more pressure on the Ghanaian defence but Grace Animah curled in a beautiful freekick in the 86th minute to take the game beyond Finland.
The result will Ghana retain its position on top of Group A with a goal advantage over New Zealand who also beat Uruguay in the other group A match.
The two sides will play in the last round of group matches at the Estadio Charrua on Tuesday November 20 to decide who tops the group as they both make it into the knock out stage of the competition.