Ghana suffered their first defeat at the U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup on Saturday as they went down 2-1 to Canada in the final Group B contest.

The Black Maidens, who had already qualified for the last eight before kick off struggled to match the Canadians, who by the result advance alongside Ghana to the quarter-finals in Costa Rica.

A second half goal by substitute Sandra Owusu-Ansah was not enough to save Ghana going down after Marie Lavesseur had scored twice in the first half to put Canada in the lead.

The game's best chance fell to Ghana after four minutes but Laadi Issaka directed her feeble shot into the hands of Rylee Foster.

Gradually, the Canadians started dictating the pace of the game and deservedly went ahead.

A slip in the box by Berlinda Anane allowed Lavesseur enough time to pick her spot as she curled the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Azume Adams in the 9th minute.

Ghana pushed to draw level but Princella Adubea's goal-bound shot from a melee was cleared off the line by a defender.

As the game approached halftime, Lavesseur found space at the far post to nod in a cross from the byline.

The Black Maidens came from the break with much purpose and piled the pressure. Soon, they were numerically stronger after Canada had Bianca St George's sent off for a poor challenge.

Owusu-Ansah who took over from Adubea pulled a goal back for Ghana in the 72nd minute.

Canada after conceding the goal were on the back-foot but managed to clear their lines with Foster coming out to deny Jane Ayieyam from close range.

In the final minutes, another Ghana effort, this time by Gladys Amfobea was cleared off the line.