Black Princesses Bow Out of U-20 Women’s World Cup Despite Win Over New Zealand
Ghana’s Black Princesses have been eliminated from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup for the seventh consecutive time, despite securing a win in their final group stage match against New Zealand. Ghana’s fate was sealed by Argentina’s victory over Costa Rica, which secured the final third-place slot, leaving Ghana unable to progress.
The Black Princesses began their 2024 World Cup campaign in Colombia with a 2-1 loss to Austria, followed by a 4-1 defeat to Japan. Though their 1-0 win against New Zealand earned them three points, it was not enough to advance them past the group stage. Coach Yussif Basigi, hoping for an upset in the Argentina match, made a tactical change by starting goalkeeper Jenna Sapong, but Argentina’s win rendered the match inconsequential.
Ghana entered the tournament with high hopes after winning gold in women’s football at the 2023 African Games, but their early exit raises concerns about deeper issues within the team. Meanwhile, African teams Nigeria and Cameroon have advanced to the next round, with Nigeria finishing second in their group and Cameroon progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.