Japan Clinches Victory Over Ghana To Advance In Colombia 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup.
On Thursday night, Japan secured their place in the knockout stages of the Colombia 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Ghana. The win ensured Japan’s progression while sending Ghana out of the tournament.
The match saw Japan take control with two late goals after a brief period of Ghanaian loss of concentration. Deadly striker Chinari Sasai opened the scoring in the 45th minute, bringing her tally for the tournament to three goals. Midfielder Manako Matsukubo, making her debut in the competition, added a second goal in the 45+6th minute. Japan’s dominance continued in the second half, with substitute Matsuaga setting up Miku Hayama to score her second goal of the tournament in the 50th minute.
Ghana managed to pull one back with a penalty goal from Stella Nyameka in the 83rd minute. However, substitute Miyu Matsunaga sealed Japan’s victory with a fourth goal, capping off a strong performance.
This match marked the second encounter between the two sides, with Japan having previously won 2-0 in their group stage meeting on 14th August 2022. Japan’s journey in the tournament has been a rollercoaster, including a 7-0 win over New Zealand, a 1-2 loss to DPR Korea, a 5-1 triumph over Australia, and a subsequent narrow defeat to DPR Korea.
Ghana’s performance has been challenging, with losses in all their group matches in the 2022 edition, and a further defeat to Austria in this tournament.
With this result, Japan tops Group E with 6 points and a +10 goal difference. Austria sits second with 3 points and a +1 goal difference, while Ghana is third with no points and a -4 goal difference. New Zealand is at the bottom of the table, having failed to score and with a -7 goal deficit.
The final group matches of Group E will be played on Monday, 9th September. Japan will face Austria, while Ghana will take on New Zealand, both matches scheduled to kick off at midnight.
