U17 World Cup: Akinola Scores United States Winner Against Ghana

Toronto FC striker Ayomide Akinola came off the bench to score the only goal for the United States in their 1-0 win over Ghana at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi in the ongoing Fifa U17 World Cup in India.

The 17-year-old, who started against India last Friday, hopped off the bench to replace Timothy Weah, son of former Chelsea striker George Weah in the 63rd minute.

Twelve minutes later, Akinola opened his goalscoring account in the tournament when he used his strength to go past a Ghanaian defender before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad.

Blaine Ferri went closest to opening the scoring for the Americans in the first half, but both his free-kick effort and a strike from the edge of the Ghana box missed the target.

Akinola and his teammates will qualify for the knockout rounds if Colombia draw with India on Monday evening.

United States will wrap up group play against Colombia on October 12.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : ussoccer.com