{"id":1923694980,"date":"2026-10-30T12:45:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T12:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/?p=1923694980"},"modified":"2026-10-30T12:45:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T12:45:35","slug":"black-maidens-advance-to-fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup-quarter-finals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/gh\/news\/black-maidens-advance-to-fifa-u-17-womens-world-cup-quarter-finals\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Maidens Advance to FIFA U-17 Women\u2019s World Cup Quarter-Finals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After Argentina Shootout Win<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Ghana\u2019s Black Maidens are through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women\u2019s World Cup after defeating Argentina 5\u20134 in a dramatic penalty shootout in Morocco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Round of 16 contest finished 1\u20131 after Ghana played the closing stages with 10 players. The Black Maidens then displayed remarkable composure by converting all five penalties, with Jessica Appiah scoring the decisive kick to send Ghana into the last eight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The victory has generated widespread excitement across Ghana, with supporters praising the young players\u2019 courage, discipline and ability to perform under pressure on the world stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jessica Appiah Gives Ghana the Lead<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Ghana started confidently and took the lead in the 16th minute. Cynthia Obinsrewuo created the opportunity with a well-timed square pass, allowing Jessica Appiah to finish powerfully and reward the Black Maidens\u2019 bright opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Argentina remained dangerous and nearly equalised when Mercedes Diz found herself through on goal, but her attempt struck the crossbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Maidens thought they had doubled their advantage when Obinsrewuo chased a long pass and lifted the ball over Argentina goalkeeper Bianca Virga. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, keeping Argentina within touching distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ghana continued competing well and looked capable of protecting the lead, but the direction of the match changed during the closing stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hajara Adam\u2019s Red Card Changes the Contest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With 13 minutes remaining, defender Hajara Adam received a second yellow card and was sent off. Ghana were forced to reorganise and defend their narrow advantage with 10 players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Maidens initially resisted Argentina\u2019s pressure, following head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa\u2019s tactical instructions and protecting the central areas around their penalty box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Argentina eventually found an equaliser in the 86th minute. Diz met a looping free kick with a powerful header that dropped beyond Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie, making the score 1\u20131.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conceding so late could have damaged Ghana\u2019s confidence, particularly after playing with a numerical disadvantage. Instead, the players regrouped and prepared for the shootout with impressive calmness.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Black Maidens Win 5\u20134 on Penalties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ghana produced a perfect penalty-shootout performance, converting all five attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jessica Appiah, Juliana Gyekyewaa, Rafia Osman, Christiana Ashiaku and Saraphina Essenam all scored from the spot. Argentina\u2019s Oriana Gomez missed her attempt, giving Ghana the opportunity to complete the victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appiah, who had already scored Ghana\u2019s goal during normal time, stepped forward and converted the fifth and winning penalty. Her composure secured the 5\u20134 shootout victory and sparked emotional celebrations among the players and technical team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forward was later named Player of the Match after scoring the opening goal, remaining a threat during a difficult second half and converting the decisive penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joe Nana Adarkwa Praises Ghana\u2019s Discipline<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa expressed pride in his players following the match. The coach was left hoarse by the celebrations but highlighted the team\u2019s tactical discipline after being reduced to 10 players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adarkwa explained that Ghana had controlled the game before the red card and praised his players for continuing to follow instructions under sustained pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The coach has already turned his attention towards the next stage, declaring that Ghana must now qualify for the semi-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are waiting for our next opponent, and we will deal with them, whatever it is. We have to qualify to the semi-finals,\u201d Adarkwa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black Maidens\u2019 Next Match: Ghana Face Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Japan will be Ghana\u2019s opponent in the FIFA U-17 Women\u2019s World Cup quarter-finals. The Asian side progressed after coming from behind to defeat Kenya 3\u20131 in the Round of 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kenya took the lead through Brenda Achieng, but Japan responded with goals from Mei Hanashiro, Nanami Kurita and Asuka Tanaka to complete the comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ghana vs Japan quarter-final is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026, with kick-off at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n