It took Japan a while to get going but when they did they turned on the afterburners; Chinari Sasai and Manaka Matsukubo striking to send the Young Nadeshiko to the break with a two-goal lead.
In the second half, they picked up where they left off; Shinomi Koyama playing a through ball to Miku Hayama on the left wing who provided a tidy, low, finish. In the 83rd minute, Stella Nyamekye pulled one back for Ghana from the penalty spot after Raika Okamura brought her down in the box before Miyu Matsunaga added a late fourth for Japan.
Progression successfully secured for the Young Nadeshiko who face Austria in their final outing while for Ghana it’s win or bust against New Zealand.
Key stats
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Japan have now won their last six straight group matches at the U-20 Women’s World Cup
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Ghana have lost their last five fixtures at the tournament.
What they said….
“We have been steadily building things up through the group stage in preparation for the knockout round. We want to ensure the players are in optimal condition for the next match [against Austria], and also for the quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the final. Of course, we are here to become champions, so we want to be prepared for that.” Michihisa Kano, Japan coach
Group E | Estadio El Techo, Bogota
Goals: Chinari Sasai (45), Manaka Matsukubo (45+6), Miku Hayama (50), Miyu Matsunaga (90); Stella Nyamekye (83) Player of the Match: Manaka Matsukubo (Japan)
