England women's national team scored a convincing 2-0 win over Ghana in the first-ever meeting between the two nations. Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall opened the scoring for England within six minutes of kick-off with her first senior international goal, putting Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses in the lead.
Ghana had their moments but were unable to capitalize on their better ball possession and hit the woodwork four times during the match. England's Chloe Kelly was forced off injured 23 minutes into the game which allowed the hosts to dominate possession without being able to translate that into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Kendall had a chance to double her team's lead just before half-time when she headed over from close range but it rebounded off the crossbar. England continued to have chances in the second-half, including a header hit by Lucy Bronze and another attempt which went on target only for Ghana's goalkeeper to make an incredible save.
It wasn't until the 95th minute that Alessia Russo finally broke the deadlock with a penalty after Ghana's Comfort Yeboah inadvertently handled a goal-bound header. Russo made no mistake from the spot, sending the England fans wild as her side celebrated another impressive win under Wiegman's management.
After the match, Wiegman expressed disappointment at not seeing more of her team capitalize on their scoring opportunities, stating that if they had done so she thought it could have been a longer and more convincing victory. Meanwhile, new signing Lucia Kendall was overjoyed to score her first senior goal for England, having spoken highly about the experience of playing in front of her home crowd at St Mary's Stadium.
Ghana had their moments but were unable to capitalize on their better ball possession and hit the woodwork four times during the match. England's Chloe Kelly was forced off injured 23 minutes into the game which allowed the hosts to dominate possession without being able to translate that into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Kendall had a chance to double her team's lead just before half-time when she headed over from close range but it rebounded off the crossbar. England continued to have chances in the second-half, including a header hit by Lucy Bronze and another attempt which went on target only for Ghana's goalkeeper to make an incredible save.
It wasn't until the 95th minute that Alessia Russo finally broke the deadlock with a penalty after Ghana's Comfort Yeboah inadvertently handled a goal-bound header. Russo made no mistake from the spot, sending the England fans wild as her side celebrated another impressive win under Wiegman's management.
After the match, Wiegman expressed disappointment at not seeing more of her team capitalize on their scoring opportunities, stating that if they had done so she thought it could have been a longer and more convincing victory. Meanwhile, new signing Lucia Kendall was overjoyed to score her first senior goal for England, having spoken highly about the experience of playing in front of her home crowd at St Mary's Stadium.
How do you miss a goal like that?! 
It's like they were gifted to England on a silver platter and just couldn't score! 
And to think they could've had it all, but their poor finishing cost them. Still, congrats to the Lionesses for a well-deserved win! 
They showed why Sarina Wiegman is one of the best managers out there 
. England's Wiegman and team knew they had the upper hand with better ball possession, but they just couldn't capitalize on it... until Alessia Russo came along and made a difference 
. This is a reminder to be patient and let others step up when their time comes. We can't do everything ourselves, we need a team effort to succeed! 
. Alessia Russo's penalty win in the 95th minute was insane tho 
. I'm loving Lucy Bronze's headers, she's such a beast! 
. Lucia Kendall's first senior goal is amazing, can't wait to see what she does next season 
️. Sarina Wiegman's coaching skills are on point too, keeping her team motivated and focused 
they played soooo well and got 2 goals lol. lucia kendall is literally a superstar now she scored that first goal in like 6 mins of the match and it was a beauty 
. i feel bad for ghana tho, they had some good chances but just couldn't get one past england's goalie. chloe kelly went down injured which kinda messed up their chances but luckily alessia russo came through with that pen at the end 
️ for scoring that first senior goal for England! 
... time to up the ante, Lionesses! 
#LionessesForever #KendallKicksItIntoOverdrive