VIDEO: Austria defeat Ghana's Black Princesses in 2024 U-20 FIFA World Cup opener

Ghana’s Black Princesses endured a disappointing start to their 2024 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, falling 2-1 to tournament debutants Austria on Monday night. 

In their seventh appearance at the global event, the female national U-20 team aimed to surpass the group stage for the first time and had hoped to secure a victory against the newcomers. However, Austria delivered a surprising blow in Bogota, taking the lead in the 12th minute through First Vienna forward Hannah Fankhauser.

Despite numerous attempts by the Ghanaians to equalize, including near misses by Stella Nyamekye, the team struggled to break through. Austria extended their advantage in the 71st minute when Nicole Ojukwu converted a penalty, leaving Ghana with a steep challenge.

Stella Nyamekye managed to pull one back for Ghana with a stunning long-range effort in the 90th minute, but it was too late to change the outcome. The loss has dimmed the Black Princesses’ hopes of advancing, as they now face a tough match against former champions Japan on Thursday, September 5, before concluding the group stage against New Zealand on Sunday, September 8.

Watch the highlights below;