Ghana’s Black Princesses ended their pre-FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup preparations with a 2-1 defeat by Mexico, despite Diana Amoako’s second-half penalty and a spirited display after the interval.Mexico made the stronger start and went ahead in the second minute when a defensive error by the Black Princesses presented the hosts with the opening goal.Ghana were then punished by another mistake soon afterwards, this time in goal, as Mexico extended their advantage to 2-0. The early setbacks left t
Ghanas Black Princesses ended their pre-FIFA U-20 Womens World Cup preparations with a 2-1 defeat by Mexico, despite Diana Amoakos second-half penalty and a spirited display after the interval.
Mexico made the stronger start and went ahead in the second minute when a defensive error by the Black Princesses presented the hosts with the opening goal.
Ghana were then punished by another mistake soon afterwards, this time in goal, as Mexico extended their advantage to 2-0. The early setbacks left the Black Princesses with a difficult task, but they responded by trying to reduce the deficit before half-time.
Sarah Nyarko came close to getting Ghana back into the match before the break, but her effort narrowly missed the target.
The Black Princesses improved significantly after the interval and became the more threatening side. Their pressure eventually produced a reward in the 55th minute, when Amoako converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1.
Ghana continued to search for an equaliser and were handed further encouragement when Mexico were awarded a penalty. However, goalkeeper Najat Abdul Salam kept the Black Princesses in the contest by saving the spot-kick.
Mexico survived Ghanas late pressure to secure victory in the final friendly before the World Cup. The result ended the Black Princesses preparations with a defeat, although their second-half performance offered Head Coach Charles Sampson several positives to take into the tournament.
Ghana will begin their FIFA U-20 Womens World Cup campaign against Ecuador on 6 September 2026. They will then face Korea Republic and France in their remaining group fixtures.
The fixture was the final opportunity for Sampson to assess his squad in competitive action before the tournament begins. Although defensive errors proved costly in Mexico, the Black Princesses showed character after falling two goals behind and created enough chances in the second half to put the hosts under sustained pressure.
Amoakos penalty gave Ghana a route back into the game, while Abdul Salams save preserved the possibility of a comeback. Mexico, however, managed the closing stages effectively and held on for the 2-1 win.
The Black Princesses will now turn their attention to their opening World Cup assignment against Ecuador, with their matches against Korea Republic and France completing the group-stage schedule.
