Ghana’s Black Maidens began their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their Group C opener at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Sunday.
The Ghanaian side, returning to the competition after missing the previous edition, struggled to contain Norway, who scored three impressive goals to secure victory.
Isabella Lepore opened the scoring with a powerful long-range effort from about 30 yards. Her strike struck the underside of the crossbar before crossing the goal line to give the Europeans the lead.
Norway doubled their advantage when Hanne Nesse set up Maia Melgard on the edge of the penalty area. Melgard shifted the ball onto her left foot before curling a fine finish into the net.
Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side showed greater attacking intent after the break and came close to reducing the deficit through substitute Cynthia Obinsrewuo.
However, goalkeeper Erla Braathen produced a crucial save to deny the Ghanaian forward.
Melgard completed her brace midway through the second half, combining neatly from a corner routine before cutting inside and unleashing another powerful strike beyond goalkeeper Belinda Manu Aklie.
The defeat leaves Ghana with a difficult task in Group C, with matches against Brazil and Canada still to come.
