Ghana deservedly earned a point in their opening FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup game against the United States as both sides battled to a 1-1 draw in Dresden.

The Black Princesses produced a near-perfect start on their debut as Elizabeth Cudjoe struck a shot from 30 yards out to put Ghana in the lead. The game was the first between both sides in the women’s game.

But Ghana's good start soon after the goal faded out in the sweltering conditions coupled by the forced substitution of captain Mercy Myles for Elizabeth Addo.

The loss of the captain denied the Princesses their creative force as the holders pushed and dominated the game before the break but solid defensive work by Mantenn Kobblah, Edem Atovor, Rosemary Ampem and Janet Egyir denied the US any sight of goal.

Back from break, the game followed the same pattern as that of the first half with the Americans on top though Ghana occasionally broke forward.

Ghana coach's Kuuku Dadzie made his second change bringing on Samira Suleman for goalscorer, Cudjoe.

America's efforts were rewarded in the 70th minute as Elizabeth Addo was robbed off the ball in the middle and the US ensured that resulting counter brought about their equaliser through captain Sydney Leroux, who had the easiest task of tapping in from close range with goalkeeper Patricia Mantey beaten.

Ghana's forward line of Florence Dadson and Ibrahim Faiza had descent chances at goal but could not find target before Faiza was taken off for Janet Owusu.

With both sides on a point each, Ghana will be hoping for a good result in their next match against Group D leaders Korea on Saturday in Dresden.

Ghana line-up

Patricia Mantey, Mantenn Kobblah, Edem Atovor, Rosemary Ampem, Janet Agyir, Juliet Acheampong, Elizabeth Cudjoe/Samira Suleman, Mercy Myles/Elizabeth Addo, Deborah Afriyie, Florence Dadson, Ibrahim Faiza/Janet Owusu

Subs

Fafali Dumahisi, Henrietta Annie, Samira Suleman, Elizabeth Addo, Priscilla Saahene, Fauzia Mustapha, and Nana Ama Asantewaa, Janet Owusu, Felicia Dapaah.