Ghana’s Black Princesses have been knocked out of the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup following Argentina’s crucial victory against Costa Rica on Sunday evening.
The Princesses, who were hoping to secure one of the four available spots for the best third-placed teams, had their fate resting not only on their performance against New Zealand tonight but also on the outcome of Argentina’s clash with Costa Rica.
Ghana’s chance hinged on winning their final group game against New Zealand, but progression also required Argentina to falter in their last fixture.
Heading into the Costa Rica game, Argentina had just one point, while Mexico, Canada, and South Korea had already secured four points each in third place.
Unfortunately for Ghana, the South American side capitalized on an early goal to secure a 1-0 victory, bringing their point total to four and sealing their place in the knockout stage.
This result dashed the Black Princesses’ hopes of advancing past the group stage for the first time in seven attempts.
Ghana, under the leadership of coach Yussif Basigi, lost their opening two matches against Austria and Japan.
Even with a potential victory against New Zealand in their final group game, the Princesses would only finish with three points, leaving them short of qualification.
Ghana will face New Zealand at 11:00 PM on Sunday, but the match will now only serve as a consolation in what has been another unsuccessful campaign at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup for the nation since making their debut in the tournament in 2012.
