FIFA U-20 World Cup: France scuttle Ghana’s ambition

A Florian Thauvin-inspired France battled their way beyond a valiant Ghana side to reach the FIFA U-20 World Cup final for the first time in their history.

Goals in either half from the hard-working midfielder saw Pierre Mankowski’s side beyond the Black Satellites, after Ebenezer Assifuah had drawn the African side level just after half-time, despite the Colombia 2011 semi-finalists finishing with ten men after Samuel Umtiti was dismissed.

The game began at a frantic pace, and it was stunning to see the scoreboard still goalless with 15 minutes played.


Frank Acheampong had sight of goal for Ghana, while each of Thauvin, Paul Pogba, Jean Cristophe Bahebeck, Lucas Digne and Yaya Sanogo went close for France.
Bahebeck clipped the outside of the Ghanaian post, but the best chances fell to the latter Les Bleuets pair.
First they combined with a neat one-two to release Digne, whose shot from inside the area was saved by Eric Antwi - which squirmed free and was collected on the second attempt.

They were at it again when Digne fed Sanogo at the near post, and while the striker’s first shot was blocked, he got his second effort on goal. It was too close to Antwi however, when the Arsenal man should have done better.
Source: Tribune