Ghana’s Black Maidens suffered a disappointing start to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign after losing 3-0 to Norway in their Group C opening match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Sunday.
Norway took the lead through a stunning long-range strike by Isabella Lepore, who unleashed a powerful shot from about 30 yards. The effort struck the underside of the crossbar before crossing the goal line.
The European side extended their advantage with another impressive goal. Hanne Nesse picked out Maia Melgard near the edge of the penalty area, allowing her to move onto her left foot and curl the ball into the net.
Ghana, coached by Joe Nana Adarkwa, showed greater attacking intent in the second half as they sought to reduce the deficit.
Substitute Cynthia Obinsrewuo came close to scoring after breaking through the Norwegian defence, but goalkeeper Erla Braathen made an important save to preserve her side’s two-goal lead.
Norway eventually put the result beyond doubt midway through the second half. Melgard exchanged passes with a teammate from a corner kick before cutting inside and firing a superb shot past Ghanaian goalkeeper Belinda Manu Aklie.
The defeat leaves the Black Maidens under pressure in Group C, with challenging fixtures against Brazil and Canada still ahead.
Ghana will now turn their attention to their next group match, hoping to recover from the loss and strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
