FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: Black Princesses held to 2-2 draw against South Africa in Accra

The Black Princesses of Ghana were left frustrated after being held to a 2-2 draw by South Africa in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The hosts made an impressive start and looked set to secure a vital home win when goals from Agnes Yeboah and Linda Owusu Ansah handed Ghana a commanding 2-0 lead.

Charles Simpson’s side dominated long spells of the contest and appeared firmly in control as they pushed for a decisive advantage ahead of the return leg.

However, the momentum shifted as the game progressed. South Africa regrouped, grew in confidence and punished Ghana’s dip in intensity, staging a spirited comeback to level the score and keep the tie finely balanced.

The draw represents a significant setback for the Black Princesses, who had hoped to build on their convincing aggregate victory over Tunisia in the previous round with a strong result at home.

South Africa, who cruised past Eswatini to book their place in this round, once again underlined their resilience and attacking quality. With the second leg to be played on home soil, they will head into the return fixture full of confidence.

Ghana will now turn their attention to the decisive second leg, scheduled for Sunday, February 14.