U-20 Women's World Cup: Asamoah Gyan hails Black Princesses' fighting spirit after South Korea win

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has praised the Black Princesses for showing "passion and determination" as they revived their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup campaign with a convincing victory over South Korea.

Ghana responded in style after opening the tournament with a 3-0 defeat to Ecuador, beating South Korea 3-1 to move into second place in Group C ahead of a decisive final-round clash with France.

The Black Princesses produced a far more assured display at the Sosnowiec Arena, dominating large spells of the contest after entering the match under pressure to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

After a goalless first half, Sarah Nyarko broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute before Ivy Owusu Ansah doubled Ghana's advantage two minutes later with a superb long-range strike.

Ruth Amponsah added a third in the 84th minute before South Korea grabbed a late consolation.

Gyan, who travelled with the Ghanaian delegation to support the team, said the players' attitude had been evident even before kick-off.

"It has been a very impressive performance for Ghana and for the girls," he said.

The former Black Stars captain explained that the delegation's role was to encourage the squad following their disappointing opening defeat rather than interfere with the work of the coaching staff.

"We came here to motivate them. We could see the passion and the determination in the eyes of the girls and that is what manifested into the game today," he added.

Gyan said the visit was intended to complement the technical team's preparations by offering guidance and reassurance to the young players.

"We are here to guide them. We came here to give them our motivation."

He reserved special praise for the way the Black Princesses embraced the challenge, saying they delivered when it mattered most.

"Honestly, the girls did what they had to do to win today's game. Kudos to them."

The victory has transformed Ghana's position in Group C, with the Black Princesses now needing only to avoid defeat against France in their final group-stage match to secure a place in the last 16.