Ruthless Ghana end India first World Cup

India's U-17 World Cup campaign ended on Thursday as they lost 4-0 to Ghana in their third Group A match in New Delhi.

Eric Ayiah scored twice -- in the 43rd and 52nd minutes -- while second-half substitutes Richard Danso (86th) and Emmanuel Toku (87th) struck once each to break the hearts of the 52,614 home supporters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The Ghanians dominated the match as far as possession and shots were concerned. It was desperate defending for most part of the match for India, with nine outfield players behind the ball in their own half and only Aniket Jadhav up front.

Sadiq Ibrahim and Bismark Owusu -- the left and right wingers respectively -- tormented the Indians many times with their speed and deft maneuvers.

Goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh tipped over a fierce right-footer from Ayaih in the 35th minute. A short while later, Ibrahim Sulley had a shot at the Indian goal, which was again saved by Dheeraj.

In the 43rd minute, Sadiq Ibrahim cut through the right and sent a low cross, which Dheeraj tried to collect with a dive but spilled over and Ayaih fired home.

Ayiah found the target once again in the 52nd minute.

India coach Luis Norton de Matos pulled out captain Amarjit Singh and replaced him with striker Rahim Ali to look for at least a goal.

India had two shots at the opposition goal late in the match through Rahim Ali and Lalengmawia, another second-half substitute, but they did not trouble the Ghana keeper much. 

Then the hosts conceded two more goals in a span of one minute as Danso and Toku scored to complete the rout.

With Colombia beating the USA 3-1 in the other Group A game in Mumbai on Thursday, Ghana topped the group. Colombia and USA also made it to the round of 16 finishing second and third respectively.