Ghana’s national U-17 female team, the Back Maidens on Tuesday hammered Uruguay the host nation 5-0 on the opening day at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2018. Player of the match and Ghana captain Mukarama Abdulai claimed the first hat-trick in the tournament.
Despite a blue wave home crowd providing ambience and noise for Uruguay, the hosts started a buoyant mood but as expected it Ghana that set the tone for the game. Good on the ball, pressed well and created the best opportunities.
In the 6th minute, the Black Maidens have had the best chance to open up the scoring. Grace Animah was gifted space and time to hit the opener given a clear sight on goal but failed to punish the Uruguayans.
That miss contrived to be a blessing. In a five minute blitz the Black Maidens converted their dominance into a two goal lead. Fuseina Mumuni found herself unmarked picked a pass from skipper Mukarama Abdulai and scored with a simple turn and finish. Moments later, Mukarama got her first of the evening from a brilliant Grace Animah’s fine cross from the left to nod home at the far post past goalkeeper Jennifer Sosa.
Uruguay by now know they are in a real game. In one of the many Ghana attacks goalkeeper goalkeeper Jennifer Sosa was injured when unintentionally Fuseina Mumuni cluttered into her. Agustina Caraballo came on for and held the fort till the end of the half.
Back from the recess and twice in succession Mukarama Abdulai was denied the opportunity to add to the tally. First Caraballo was called into action saving from her feet at close range before Juliana Viera’s brave goalline clearance.
A third goal would arrive on 66 minutes. First half substitute Millot Pokuaa who had come on for injured Fuseina broke in and finished with aplomb. A goal that seemed to have sealed victory for the Maidens.
There was not much time before skipper Mukarama Abdulai completed her hat-trick with two late goals to cap a great evening of football and a fine Ghanaian performance in Montevideo.
GHANA starting XI – Grace BANWAA; Tedinah SEKYERE, Elizabeth OPPONG, Nina NORSHIE, Justice TWENEBOAH ; Jacqueline OWUSU, Azumah BUGRE; Mukarama ABDULAI(C), Mavis OWUSU, Fuseina MUMUNI, Grace ANIMAH.
Culled from fifa.com