The Black Princesses of Ghana have suffered a 1-0 defeat to New Zealand in their 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup group stage opening match on Monday.

Tayla Christensen beat Victoria Agyei in post for Ghana to give New Zealand an 89th minute goal which h earned them three points on the day.

Ghana looked more likely to get an opener in the first half however the series of attacks by  forwards Sandra Owusu Ansah and Jane Ayieyam failed to beat Nadia Olla in post for the “Junior Football ferns”.

After a barren first half, Ghana came closer once again but Ayieyam’s final effort was palmed by the goalkeeper after beating her marker in the box.

Samira Rahman came closest to giving Coach Mas Ud Dramani’s side the opener but her brilliantly curled kick missed the goal by inches.

Captain Wasila Diwura-Soale managed to beat the New Zealand defence in the 72nd minute but her final ball hit the oncoming goalkeeper to keep the game barren at that stage.

After Owusu Ansah’s 87th effort had gone inches wide, New Zealand began a counter attack which saw Christensen beat the Ghanaian defence and goalkeeper Agyei to slot home the winner for the Oceanic country.

New Zealand now leads the group with 3 points after USA and France drew goalless earlier on Monday.

The Black Princesses will face France in their next group match which will be played on Thursday.