Ghana scored two goals in the first half en route to a 5-0 victory over hosts Uruguay on the opening day at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2018, with captain Mukarama Abdulai claiming a hat-trick in the Group A contest.

The Black Maidens registered their superiority over Uruguay and broke the deadlock with a spectacular finish in the 20th-minute through Fuseina Mumuni who had to turn 360 degrees in the penalty box to slot home past the Uruguay goalie.

Captain Abdulai doubled the lead with a header to give Ghana a 2 - 0 lead in the first half.

It was a challenging opening period for La Celeste, who needed to replace injured goalkeeper Jennifer Sosa with Agustina Caraballo after colliding with Ghana’s Fuseina Mumuni.

Ghana's Mumuni was rushed to hospital alongside Uruguay goalkeeper Sosa after the two collided. Mumuni was replaced by Millot Abena Pokuaa.

Uruguay started piling pressure on the Ghanaian team in the second half but couldn’t make that count much as first half substitute Millot Pokuaa made it 3-0 for Ghana in the 68th minute with with a cool finish.

The maidens quickly diffused the pressure to return to their usual dominance as Captain Abdulai Mukarama calmly slotted in Susan Teye’s cross to finish her brace and the Black Maidens fourth on the night in 77th minute.

Striker Abdulai Mukarama again struck on stoppage time to complete her hat-trick on the night picking the player of the match award.

Ghana will take on Finland in their second group A game on Friday at 7pm local time.

Mark F. silveronline24