Montevideo, Nov 17 (IANS): Ghana and New Zealand imposed their authority, defeating Finland and Uruguay, respectively, and advanced to the quarter-finals of the U-17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay.

The offensive by the African women, who won 3-1, was led by players Millot Pokuaa, Mukarama Abdulai and Grace Animah, who scored in the 6th, 13th and 86th minutes, while Jenni Kantanen scored in the 75th minute for the Finns on Friday, reports Efe.

Meanwhile, the New Zealanders sealed their victory by beating the local team with a final score of 2-1.

With goals from Grace Wisnewsky and Kelly Brown in the 26th and 36th minutes, the New Zealanders came from behind after Uruguay's Belen Aquino opened the scoring in the 8th minute of the match.

Already qualified, Group A leaders Ghana and New Zealand will meet in their third match with a battle for first place.

In other matches, Japan crushed South Africa 6-0 with goals from Haruka Osawa (a brace in the 4th and 23rd minutes), Tomoko Tanaka (37th), Sara Ito (also with a brace in the 41st and 55th minutes) and Yuzuki Yamamoto in the 91st.

This result allows the Japanese to add 4 points and share the first position in Group B with Mexico, who won against Brazil with one goal by Vanessa Buso.