MAIDENS FALL TO CANADA BUT ADVANCE TO QUARTERS

The Black Maidens of Ghana on Saturday night failed to maintain their 100% record after falling 1-2 to Canada in their final group game at the FIFA under 17 World Cup in Costa Rica.

The game which saw Ghana having nothing to lose after annexing 6 points from their two previous games also saw Canada having their destiny in their own hands.

It was Canada who started well exchanging some splendid touches in midfield and keeping the Ghanaians on their toes. The Canucks rewarded themselves with an early goal in the 9^th min after winger Levassaur curled in from 16 yards into the right corner of goalkeeper Azume Adams. The Canadians however kept their pace in the game till they had their second just four min to half time when Levassaur squeezed a header into the back of the net following a cross from Borgmann from the left hand side of attack to go to the break with a 2-0 lead.

Back from recess Ghana pushed forward in search of the equalizer before Canada defender St. George received her marching orders after a challenge on Ghana striker Priscilla Adubea in the 50^th min. The red card seemed to have given the Maidens an advantage to come into the game as they started controlling the pace of the game putting more pressure on the Canadians.

Substitute Sandra Owusu Ansah finally got the consolation for Ghana in the 71^st min when she beat Canada defender Mayi Kith with a piece of skill to power the ball into the roof of the net to register her second goal in the competition and get Ghana back into the game. It was all Ghana as the Maidens kept on the pressure in search of the much needed equalizer. 

After several chances falling their way, the Black Maidens failed to capitalize as the chances kept on going begging.  After 4min of additional time the referee finally blew her whistle for the end of the game.

Despite losing 2-1 Ghana still qualifies to the quarter finals after topping the group with six points beating Korea DPR and Germany respectively.

The Black Maidens will now face either Venezuela or Italy in the quarter finals.

By Frank Darkwah

Follow Frank Darkwah on twitter.@Blaqqkoffi