After falling to Japan 2-0 in their second group game at the ongoing U-20 Women's World Cup on Sunday, Ghana's chances making it past the group stage for the first time hit a snag.

The Black Princesses were aiming for a win against Japan to give themselves a good chance of moving out of the group stage after suffering a 3-0 loss to USA in their opener.

Ghana are yet to reach the knock-out stage of the U-20 Women’s World Cup despite making six appearances at the competition since its inception in 2002.

The trend could continue following the latest setback against Japan, who are the competition's defending champions.

While Ben Fokuo's team struggled to test the opposition goalie for the majority of the match, they managed to hold on and keep a goalless scoreline in the opening 45 minutes.

Japan won all three points, nevertheless, thanks to two penalties from Maika Hamanoe in the second half to further deepen the woes of the Black Princesses.

Ghana must defeat the Netherlands in the group's final match on Wednesday, August 17, with a higher score margin and hope Japan also beat USA in the other group game.