The Black Princesses of Ghana suffered a 4-0 defeat by France after a competitive opening period was followed by a difficult second half in which the French side took control of the match.
Ghana had appeared capable of competing with France during the first half and thought they had taken the lead as early as the fourth minute.
Priscilla Mensah found the net for the Black Princesses, but Ghana’s celebrations were cut short when the goal was ruled out for offside.
Mensah was shown a yellow card in the 19th minute as both teams continued to compete for control.
Ghana continued to search for an opening goal but neither side was able to break the deadlock before half-time. The teams went into the interval level at 0-0 after three minutes of added time.
The Black Princesses began the second half with renewed attacking intent and came close to breaking the deadlock again.
Sarah Nyarko had an opportunity in the 51st minute, but her attempt was kept out by the French goalkeeper.
That chance proved to be one of Ghana’s final opportunities to take control of the contest as France soon turned their pressure into goals.
France opened the scoring in the 54th minute to take the lead for the first time in the match.
Ghana attempted to change the course of the game with a series of substitutions. Jennifer came on for Ivy, Ruth replaced Agnes and Margaret took the place of Latifa in a triple change.
However, the changes did not prevent France from extending their advantage.
The French side scored again in the 68th minute, leaving Ghana facing a two-goal deficit with the match moving into its final stages.
The Black Princesses were unable to find a response as France continued to hold the upper hand.
The visitors were then awarded a penalty in the 80th minute, providing them with the opportunity to put the outcome beyond doubt.
France converted from the spot to make it 3-0 and put Ghana in an increasingly difficult position.
The French side added another goal five minutes later, completing a four-goal victory and bringing a disappointing end to Ghana’s efforts.
The final score was harsh on the Black Princesses given the way the first half had unfolded.
Ghana had competed strongly during the opening 45 minutes, while Mensah’s disallowed effort had offered an early indication that the Black Princesses could trouble their opponents.
They also remained level at the interval despite Mensah’s booking and France’s attempts to establish control.
Nyarko’s chance shortly after the restart provided further encouragement, but the momentum changed once France opened the scoring.
From that point, France proved far more effective in front of goal and punished Ghana during the second half.
The second goal increased the pressure on the Black Princesses before the penalty and a further strike in the closing stages completed the 4-0 scoreline.
For Ghana, the match demonstrated the difference between a strong competitive performance and the ability to convert opportunities when they arise.
The Black Princesses had moments of promise, particularly during the first half and in the early stages after the interval, but France’s finishing ultimately proved decisive.
Ghana’s players had entered the second half with the match still goalless, but four unanswered French goals eventually settled the contest.
The Black Princesses will be left to reflect on a match in which their encouraging start was unable to withstand France’s second-half attacking threat.
France’s clinical performance after the break ensured they finished with a convincing 4-0 victory, while Ghana’s early promise ultimately went unrewarded.
