Ghana’s Black Maidens have advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after holding their nerve to defeat Argentina 5-4 on penalties in a dramatic round-of-16 encounter in Morocco.
The match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Wednesday ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing both teams into a shootout. Ghana proved more clinical from the spot, converting all five attempts to seal their place in the last eight.
Jessica Appiah put Ghana ahead in the first half, giving the Black Maidens an important advantage as they sought to secure qualification without the need for extra time or penalties.
Argentina, however, refused to back down and pushed for an equaliser after the interval. Mercedes Diz came close to restoring parity when she broke through on goal, only to see her effort crash against the crossbar.
Ghana thought they had extended their lead when Cynthia Obinsrewuo raced on to a long ball and lifted it over Argentina goalkeeper Bianca Virga. The celebrations were cut short, however, after the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Black Maidens faced another setback with 13 minutes left on the clock when Hajara Adam received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Ghana to see out the closing stages with 10 players.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Ghanaian youngsters appeared close to securing victory before Argentina found a late breakthrough.
Diz rose to meet a looping free-kick and directed a powerful header towards goal. The ball dropped over goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie and into the net, bringing Argentina level and forcing the tie into a penalty shootout.
With qualification now resting on spot-kicks, Ghana maintained their composure under pressure. Argentina’s Oriana Gomez missed her attempt, handing the Black Maidens a crucial advantage in the contest.
Appiah, Juliana Gyekyewaa, Rafia Osman, Christiana Ashiaku and Saraphina Essenam all converted their penalties to complete a flawless five-from-five record and secure a 5-4 shootout victory.
The result sends Ghana into the quarter-finals, rewarding a determined performance from a side that had to overcome both a late equaliser and a second-half dismissal.
The Black Maidens will now turn their attention to the last eight, where they are scheduled to face either Japan or Kenya as their quest for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title continues.
