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Substitute Ayo Akinola fires U.S. U-17s to group stage win over Ghana

 

After toppling hosts India to open the U-17 World Cup, the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team took control of Group A with a win over a familiar World Cup foe.

A late goal from substitute Ayo Akinola sealed a 1-0 win over Ghana on Tuesday in the second match of the U-17 World Cup. With the win, the U.S. moves to six points from two games, giving them a three-point lead atop Group A through two matches.

Akinola’s finish came in the 76th minute, helping the U.S. seal a massive three points. Played in by Chris Goslin, Akinola held off his defender while barreling his way into the box. The TFC product then slid a shot right into the back of the net, sealing a win for the U.S.

The first half started at a methodical past as the U.S. was content to control the ball and slow down play. By and large, they were successful, as the U.S. kept Ghana on their heels and away from the counter attack.

Even with the pace, the U.S. was able to create several good chances. Josh Sargent saw a close-range header saved in the 16th minute on what was likely the best look of the opening half. Blaine Ferri also had a few decent chances, but his two curling efforts went just wide of the post.

The second half started with a Ghana flurry and several chances for the African side. Justin Garces was called upon to make a few early saves while Chris Durkin’s last-gasp block on the line saved a goal in the 47th minute.

With a spot in the knockout round secure, the U.S. looks ahead to Thursday’s group stage finale against Colombia.

Comments

  1. For my money, I want to see the halfs more involved up to the final third. At that point, more service for the big name scorers. Possession is great but its goals that win

    Reply
  2. Good to see the lads taking care of business against a really quality African side. This is an emerging Golden generation of US soccer talent. USA!

    Reply
  3. The US deserved the win. Ghana was dangerous often, but the US team had control of the game and created more quality chances from the run of play.

    Josh Sargent is very, very good. He is a true #9 with a complete game. I look forward to seeing him play with McKennie and Pulisic.

    Reply
  4. The mexican sport pages,did not metioned the usa win 1-0 over Gahna they never beat
    this warriors of africa, the mexicans tied whit the weak Irak,and are in problems,the americans are in quarter finals already,they have envy it is all

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  5. Was it me or did the US player who started the goal-scoring sequence (Durkin? #6?) handle the ball to maintain possession when he was tackled just before making the pass that started the play?

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  6. A great victory,Ho my god,Ghana was the world champion,this win put the USABNT in good
    positión,atop whit six points,Justin Garces well saving his net,i can not believet yet,but it is true….Long Live USA, ¡thanks boys!

    Reply

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