Substitute Tayla Christensen scored a dramatic last-minute winner to help New Zealand to a hard-fought 1-0 win over an unlucky Ghana on the opening day of Group C action at the 2016 FIFA Women’ World Cup.
The match was an entertaining affair played at a good tempo throughout, but New Zealand’s Nadia Olla was the far the busier of the two goalkeepers and produced several key saves. The Oceania side started brightly but Ghana took a clear stranglehold as the first half wore on.
New Zealand spurned two good opportunities within quick succession early on via Isabella Coombes and Martine Puketapu, the former set-up by the ever lively Paige Satchell. But suddenly Ghana sprung to life. The Black Princesses were lively in possession and made numerous successful forays down the flanks, constantly looking dangerous from crosses and corners.
By half-time New Zealand goalkeeper Olla had made half a dozen saves. The best chance of the opening half saw Jane Ayieyam volley a cross over the crossbar from close-range, narrowly failing to convert what would have been a spectacular goal.
Ghana kept knocking at the door but their efficiency in the attacking third was poor. The clearest opening of the match saw Wasila Diwura-Soale latch onto a midfield turnover and run clear, but Olla came out to make a brave diving block at the feet.
Source: Confederation of African Football.
More Stories
Government must have an elevated outlook for the book industry-GIBF Chairman
Accra, June 30, GNA – Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah, Chairman, Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF) has called on the Government to offer more support for development of the nation’s book industry.He said state agencies with direct responsibility for engagin…
Government must have an elevated outlook for the book industry-GIBF Chairman
Accra, June 30, GNA – Mr. Asare Konadu Yamoah, Chairman, Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF) has called on the Government to offer more support for development of the nation’s book industry.He said state agencies with direct responsibility for engagin…
National cathedral land was acquired by the state in 1910 – Abu Jinapor
Accra, The land on which the National Cathedral is being constructed was acquired by the state in 1910, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has said.He said the land measuring approximately 16.26 acres formed part of a larg…
CHAN Qualifiers: Players are working hard to show readiness – Annor Walker
The Black Stars B are in camp at the Ghanaman soccer centre of excellence preparing for the Africa Nations Championship qualifiers.Ghana will face Benin in the Western Zone B qualifiers and head coach Annor Walker has been speaking about preparations a…
National cathedral land was acquired by the state in 1910 – Abu Jinapor
Accra, The land on which the National Cathedral is being constructed was acquired by the state in 1910, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has said.He said the land measuring approximately 16.26 acres formed part of a larg…
District assembly complex to be completed by end of December 2022-Minister
Accra, Mr Dan Botwe, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development says the District Assembly complex project in Nkwanta North will be completed and handed over by the end of December 2022.He said, as of the end of April 2022, w…