Ghana's Black Maidens began their FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their Group C opener at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Sunday.

The Black Maidens, making a return to the tournament after missing the last edition, were undone by three moments of individual brilliance from the Europeans.

Norway broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion when Isabella Lepore rifled home a thunderous effort from 30 yards, her strike smashing the underside of the crossbar before nestling in the back of the net.

The Europeans doubled their lead with another superb finish. Hanne Nesse collected the ball on the edge of the box and laid it off to Maia Melgard, who shifted onto her left foot and curled home a sumptuous second.

Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa's side responded well after the break and came close to pulling one back when substitute Cynthia Obinsrewuo was sent clean through on goal, but Norwegian goalkeeper Erla Braathen stood tall to deny her.

Norway sealed their maiden U-17 Women's World Cup victory midway through the second half when Melgard played a neat one-two from a corner, cut inside and unleashed another jaw-dropping effort that left goalkeeper Belinda Manu Aklie with no chance.

The result leaves Ghana with work to do in Group C, with heavyweights Brazil and Canada still to come. The Maidens will now shift focus to their second group fixture as they aim to bounce back and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

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