Ghana’s Female U20 team, the Black Princesses boosted their chances of clinching one of the tickets to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Costa Rica 2022 following an impressive 3-0 win over Ethiopia in the first leg of the final qualifying round on Sunday.

A brace from Salamatu Abdulai and Cecilia Nyama’s strike in the first half was all the Black Princesses needed to silence the Ethiopians in front of the home fans at Abebe Bikila Stadium and took a giant step towards securing their qualification ticket.

The East Africans missed the services of Rediet Assresahagn and Araiet Odong due to injuries, while the West Africans were without Evelyn Badu, Perpetual Agyekum for the first leg tie.

Ghana made a great start to the game as they created chances in the first 15 minutes but couldn’t utilise any.

In the 28th minute, Doris Boaduwaa laid a beautiful pass to Salamatu Abdulai who made no mistake by striking home the opener for the Princesses.

Ghana continued to dominate and had great chances whilst the host struggled to pass through the defence of the Princesses.

Salamatu Abdullai scored her second of the day in the 38th minute after a solo run from midfield to extend Ghana’s lead.

The host made two substitutions but that did not yield any result as shot stopper, Cynthia Fiindib denied them on two occasions.

The princesses pressed on for a third as they kept testing the goalkeeper of the home side. Cecilia Nyama finally scored the third goal for the Black Princesses in the 44th minute.

The first half of the game ended 3:0 in favor of the Black Princesses as they proved too strong for the Ethiopians. After recess, Coach Ben Fokuo made two substitutions as Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah replaced Suzzy Dede Teye and Cecilia Nyama making way for Maafia Nyame.

The host tested Cynthia Findib on several attempts in the second half but she denied Turist Lema in the 60th minute.

The Black Princesses were the better side in the last 10 minutes but the game eventually ended 3:0 in favor of Ghana.

The Black Princesses are chasing a record sixth straight FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup participation. They made their first World Cup appearance in 2010 and have gone ahead to play in four tournaments on the spin. (2010, 2012,2014, 2016, 2018).

After a clinical first-leg triumph in Addis, the Princesses will focus on guaranteeing their qualification when they host the Ethiopians in a fortnight at the Cape Coast Stadium.