France have begun their Under-20 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Ghana at the Ali Sami Yen Arena in Istanbul.
© AP Photos
Second-half goals from Geoffrey Kondogbia, Yaya Sanogo and Jean-Christophe Bahebeck were enough to secure the win against the 2009 champions.
France created the better chances of the first half, going close when Kondogbia forced Ghana goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi into a save after a well-worked passing move.
Early in the second half, Antwi kept out Florian Thauvin's near post effort before Sanogo hit the woodwork from the resulting corner.
France finally made the breakthrough in the 65th minute when a long throw from Lucas Digne was headed home by Kondogbia. They extended the lead just two minutes later when Sanogo collected Kondogbia's pass and drilled the ball between the legs of Antwi.
With 12 minutes remaining Bahebeck made it three, firing a low shot in off the post after being picked out by Axel Ngando.
Richmond Boakye reduced France's lead in the 84th minute when he tapped in a cross from Anderlecht winger Frank Acheampong.
A minute later Boakye almost returned the compliment, playing Acheampong through on goal, but he could only poke the ball wide of the goal.
France saw out the remaining six minutes to take all three points.
Steven Toplis
