Ghana made a winning start to their FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Group A rivals Colombia in New Delhi on Friday.
Sadiq Ibrahim lashed on to an Eric Ayiah cross to score the only goal of the game in the 39th minute to hand the Africans all three points.
The Black Starlets of Ghana began the game brightly, creating chances but could not test the Colombian goal keeper until Campaz, the Colombia number 7 pulled the best out of Kumasi Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ibrahim Dan Lad.
Moments later Captain Ayiah could have fetch the opener but his heavy shot went high and wide.
Ghana maintained composure and were disciplined and their efforts was rewarded when captain Eric Ayiah sent in a cross from the left after a swift counter attack to find Sadiq Ibrahim who cooly slotted home.
Ghana went into the break with the lead.
However, the South Americans came into the second half much stronger, making a couple of changes that turned the game on the Ghanaians.
Substitute Deiber Caiceido nearly snapped an equalizer but his efforts went inches wide. Campaz combined effectively with Caicedo upfront but their threat was handled well by the Ghanaian backline.
Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin brought on Isaac Gyamfi and Gabriel Laveh to solidify the middle for the Ghanaians and it paid off as the Black Stars secure their first win in ten years on their return to the global stage.
The Black Starlets will next face the United States of America on Monday.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin