Ayo Akinola strike takes USA into next round

Ayo Akinola's 75th minute strike guided the USA to a 1-0 win over two-time U-17 World Cup champions Ghana here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday.

It was a poor game from the Black Starlets of Ghana as they wasted many chances that came their way. The US, on the other hand, were dominant and punished their opponents with clever gameplay and better ball possession in the second half.

In the end, Ghana had to finish the game with 10-men after defender Abdul Yusif picked up a head injury. With their second consecutive victory, USA are now through to the Round of 16 by topping Group A with six points.

The game began on a cautious note as both teams tried to read each other rather than going on the offensive. Ghana was the first to make an attempt on the goal when Mohammed Aminu tried to lash onto a cross from Sadiq Ibrahim.

In the 44th minute, skipper Eric Ayiah managed to break the off-side trap to beat US custodian Justin Garces, but failed to get his final ball at the back of the net.

Ghana continued their offensive in the second half but soon started showing nerves as the Americans started to put pressure back. It soon paid off as substitute Ayo Akinola finally broke the deadlock for US in the 75th minute after shooting past goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim.

Ghana are now second in Group A with three points and are much better placed to qualify as second team as they take on hosts India in the last group game.