Ghana’s Black Princesses produced a determined and well-executed performance to defeat South Korea 3-1 in their second Group C fixture at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, reviving a campaign that had begun with disappointment and keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive for the first time in eight tournament appearances.
Playing at Arena Sosnowiec, the young Ghanaian side responded to an opening 3-0 loss to Ecuador by dominating large stretches of the contest, converting their second-half control into three well-taken goals and ending a seven-match winless run at this level of the competition.
Coach Charles Sampson made targeted changes after the Ecuador defeat, bringing in goalkeeper Precious Akanguwie and defender Salma Naazo while looking for greater composure and attacking purpose. Ghana started brightly and created several first-half opportunities, including an early effort from Agnes Yeboah that was saved, but they could not find the finishing touch before the interval. The game remained goalless at half-time despite the Black Princesses’ territorial advantage, and an injury to Esther Asamoah in the 26th minute forced an early substitution as Latifa Abesik came on. The first period showed intent but also the lingering effects of the previous result, with chances going unconverted and South Korea remaining organized.
The breakthrough arrived eight minutes after the restart. A swift attacking combination involving captain Priscilla Mensah and Agnes Yeboah opened the South Korean defence, allowing Sarah Nyarko to finish and give Ghana a deserved 1-0 lead around the 52nd or 53rd minute. The midfielder’s strike, whether a composed finish after the build-up or a powerful effort from distance, lifted the team and immediately changed the complexion of the match.
Two minutes later Ivy Osei Owusu, also known as Ivy Owusu Ansah, doubled the advantage with a moment of individual quality, either chipping the advancing goalkeeper Kim Chaebeen or driving a long-range shot into the top-right corner. The two quick goals in the space of a few minutes put Ghana firmly in command and reflected the improved intensity and belief Sampson’s players had shown after the break.
Ghana continued to press rather than sit on the lead. Substitute Ruth Amponsah, introduced later in the second half as the coaching staff freshened the attack, added a third goal in the 84th minute with a composed finish following a team move. The scoreline read 3-0 and the result looked secure. South Korea managed a late consolation through B. Ye-jo in the fifth minute of added time, but it did nothing to alter the outcome. The Black Princesses saw out the remaining moments to claim all three points, their first of the tournament, and move into second place in Group C on three points, level with Ecuador but behind on goal difference after scoring three and conceding four across the two matches.
The victory carried significance beyond the scoreline. Ghana have qualified for eight consecutive U-20 Women’s World Cups without previously advancing from the group stage, so this result transformed their position heading into the final group match against France on 12 September.
A positive result, or even avoiding defeat depending on other outcomes, could now be enough to reach the last 16. Head coach Charles Sampson praised the character and passion his players displayed, noting that they showed up with the belief and enthusiasm the staff knew they possessed.
Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku singled out the technical team for restoring confidence after the Ecuador setback produced what he called a weird first game that had deflated morale. Former captain Asamoah Gyan, present with the Ghanaian delegation, highlighted the passion and determination visible even before kick-off, while Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren commended the dominant display and suggested several Princesses players could soon feature at senior level.
