Ghana suffered a 3-0 loss to Ecuador in their opening Group C game but responded strongly against South Korea on Wednesday to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
The Black Princesses were held to a goalless draw in the first half despite creating opportunities, but came alive after the break to score three times.
Captain Sarah Nyarko broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a long-range strike before Ivy Osei Owusu doubled Ghana’s advantage three minutes later with a solo effort from the right, chipping the South Korean goalkeeper.
Substitute Ruth Amponsah added a third in the 84th minute following a well-worked team move to put Ghana in firm control.
South Korea scored a consolation goal in added time, but Ghana held on for an important victory.
Sampson was delighted with his players' response after the disappointment against Ecuador.
“The team really showed up. They showed the character that we know they have in the team; the belief they have for themselves and each other and today they exhibited it exactly how it should be,” Sampson said after the game.
“They made up their mind that we were going to take this game and that is what happened.”
The victory moves Ghana onto three points in Group C and gives them a chance of progressing to the next round.
Sampson admits there was pressure on his side to respond after the heavy opening defeat but insists his players have remained focused on their objective.
“Pressure is part of it. We don't let that destabilise us. We came here with an aim, and we know from long that we have these three countries to play,” he added.
The Black Princesses will now turn their attention to their final group game against France on September 12th, with the result set to determine whether Ghana can advance to the knockout stage.
Sampson believes the team must build on the South Korea victory and secure the points required against France.
“Unfortunately, we didn't get the result we wanted in the first game. We have now got a result that brings us back into the game. So, we are approaching the France game to get the points that are needed to go further.”
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku was excited by the performance.
"To be honest, the girls are happy. Everything is on course. They are extremely motivated. For me, what I call natural motivation is very evident in whatever they are doing and it is something that excites me."
Ghana will therefore head into the final group fixture against France with their hopes of progressing from Group C still alive after recovering from their disappointing start to the tournament.
