Adarkwa Backs Black Maidens to Advance Further in Morocco

Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has set his sights on reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after Ghana defeated Argentina in a tense penalty shootout to advance to the quarter-finals.

Ghana secured a 5-4 victory on penalties on Wednesday, October 28, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, despite playing with 10 players during the closing stages of the encounter.

Speaking after the match, Adarkwa expressed confidence in his team’s ability to progress further in the competition, insisting that the players were determined to overcome their next opponents.

He said the team would prepare for whichever country they faced next, stressing that reaching the semi-finals remained their immediate objective.

The Black Maidens started strongly, with Jessica Appiah putting Ghana ahead in the 16th minute. However, the team failed to convert several opportunities that could have increased their advantage.

Ghana’s challenge intensified when captain Seidatu Wahab was substituted in the 72nd minute due to injury. The team subsequently lost Hajara Adams to a second yellow card, leaving the Black Maidens with 10 players.

Argentina took advantage of their numerical superiority to find an equaliser in the 85th minute, pushing the match into a penalty shootout.

Despite the late disappointment, Ghana held their nerve from the spot, converting all five attempts. Appiah scored the decisive penalty to confirm the victory and send the team through to the last eight.

Adarkwa praised his players for their determination and composure, acknowledging the difficulty of the encounter and expressing satisfaction with their overall performance.

He also commended the team for following his tactical instructions, noting that Ghana had controlled much of the game before the dismissal changed the course of the contest.

The victory marks the fifth time Ghana’s U-17 women’s team has reached the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The Black Maidens will face either Kenya or Japan in the next round as they pursue a place in the semi-finals and seek to extend their run at the competition.

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