A goal in each half lifted a resilient Ghana to a 2-0 win over 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finalists Korea DPR for a bright start to their Group B campaign in Liberia.
Korea DPR started promisingly and dominated early possession, but it was the Africans who netted with their first real attack.
Laadi Issaka made a great run down the left, and her low cross found Jane Ayieyam who slotted home from 12 yards for her fifth goal in her sixth U-17 World Cup match.
A few minutes later Sung Hyang Sim had her close-range shot blocked on the line with claims of handball waved away.
Ghana doubled their advantage six minutes into the second stanza with a shocking defensive mix-up between central defender Pak Sin Jong and goalkeeper Kim Myong Sun allowing striker Sandra Owusu Ansah to steal the ball and tap into an empty net.
The goal spurred the Koreans into life. The best passing move of the match resulted in a cross from the left finding Ri Pom Hyang, but she was unable to find a finishing touch under pressure.
Within a minute captain Ri Ji Hyang narrowly pushed a shot wide as Korea DPR found some trademark inner strength and momentum.
The Koreans created several nervous moments around the Ghana penalty area, but few clear chances.
The pace and fluency went out of the game in the latter stages as both teams visibly tired and the physically stronger Ghana always looked likely to hold their lead.
Player of the Match: Sandra Owusu Ansah (Ghana)
Elsewhere, U-17 Women's World Cup stalwarts Nigeria are aiming to improve on their quarter-final finishes in 2010 and 2012. They get started against a China PR side making only their second appearance after exiting in the group phase two years ago. Despite that showing, Gao Hong's charges have proved in recent months that they have what it takes to outshine their predecessors.
Nigeria Vs China game will be played by 12 mid-night Nigeria time 17th March, 2013
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