Ghana booked a place in the fourth round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a hard-fought victory over South Africa sealed by a decisive second-half goal from Priscilla Mensah.
The tie was finely balanced heading into the return encounter, with both sides level at 2–2 on aggregate following their earlier draw at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ghana started brightly and created several early scoring chances, but South Africa’s goalkeeper produced a series of impressive saves to keep the hosts in the contest.
Just before the break, Precious Asante nearly broke the deadlock, only to see her powerful effort pushed away to safety. The visitors continued to press but were forced into a change shortly after half-time when Mary Amponsah picked up an injury and was replaced by Priscilla Mensah — a substitution that proved crucial.
In the 63rd minute, a brilliant solo run down the wing by Jessica carved open the defense and set up Mensah, who calmly finished low into the bottom-left corner to give Ghana the lead on the day and the advantage in the tie.
South Africa mounted a late response and almost equalized in the 78th minute, but Jenna produced a vital save to preserve Ghana’s advantage. The visitors remained composed through the closing stages, holding firm until the final whistle.
With the win, Ghana moves into the fourth round of the qualifiers and remains on course to secure an eighth straight appearance at the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Poland in September.
By Wletsu Ransford