NZ to meet Japan in quarterfinals after loss to Ghana

NEW Zealand will face Japan for a spot in the semifinals of the Under17 Women’s World Cup in Uruguay.

That is the result of yesterday’s 20 loss to Ghana in Montevideo in the final group game for both sides.

Both teams had already earned a quarterfinal spot heading into the match and it was a depleted New Zealand team that took the field.

Eight changes were made to the side which beat Uruguay and Finland, saving players on the verge of suspensions and allowing others to reenergise.

Despite that, it took Ghana 61 minutes to take the lead via captain Mukarama Abdulai.

Jayda Stewart and Maya Hahn were both able to get shots on target following that for New Zealand.

However, neither were able put the ball past goalkeeper Grace Boadu and, in the 89th minute, Abdulai sealed the deal with her second.

‘‘We knew Ghana were going to be a tough challenge, they’re a very good, athletic side and when you’re playing in the heat like today it makes it even more challenging,’’ New Zealand coach Leon Birnie said.

‘‘We had the quarterfinal in the back of our minds and had a number of players on cards or with injuries.

‘‘There were also players that were just mentally and physically tired from the first two games and we had to balance that.

‘‘What I really enjoyed today was that, by the end of the game, the girls had given everything they had.

‘‘But sometimes it’s just not enough.

‘‘Ghana were the better side, they deserved their three points and they deserved to top the group.’’

New Zealand will now face a Japan side which has conceded just one goal in its three games.

The match will be played at 9am on Sunday.