African Nation Makes History After Eliminating Tournament Favorite From FIFA World Cup On Penalties

According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team secured an impressive victory over Argentina to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after a dramatic penalty shootout.

The West African side, popularly known as the Black Maidens, defeated Argentina 5-4 on penalties after both teams finished regulation time with a 1-1 draw at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

Ghana approached the knockout-stage encounter determined to continue their impressive run in the competition, aware that victory would bring them closer to winning one of the most prestigious titles in women’s youth football.

The Black Maidens started the match positively and took the lead in the 16th minute through Jessica Appiah, who finished off a promising attacking move created with the involvement of Cynthia Obinsrewuo.

Appiah’s early strike gave Ghana a valuable advantage and forced Argentina to intensify their efforts as they searched for an equaliser.

Argentina created several scoring opportunities during the encounter, with Mercedes Diz coming particularly close when her attempt struck the crossbar. Ghana also threatened to increase their lead when Obinsrewuo lifted the ball over Argentine goalkeeper Bianca Virga, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The contest became more challenging for Ghana in the 77th minute when Hajara Adam received her second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the African side with ten players for the remainder of the match.

Argentina capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 86th minute when Mercedes Diz scored a crucial equaliser with a well-placed header, bringing the score to 1-1.

With neither team able to find a winner before the end of regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout to determine which side would qualify for the quarterfinals.

Despite being reduced to ten players during the closing stages, Ghana displayed impressive determination and composure when the outcome was decided from the penalty spot.

The Black Maidens converted all five of their penalties, while Argentina’s Oriana Gomez missed her attempt, giving Ghana the decisive advantage.

Jessica Appiah then stepped forward to convert the winning penalty, capping an outstanding performance that earned her the Player of the Match award.

The victory secured Ghana’s place in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2018, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history at the tournament.

Ghana had previously reached the quarterfinals in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. Their best performance came in 2012, when they finished third in the competition.

Their latest qualification represents a welcome return to prominence on the international stage after an eight-year absence from the tournament.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s defeat ended their historic debut campaign at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, despite their efforts to progress beyond the knockout stage.

Ghana will now prepare for their quarterfinal encounter against the winner of the match between Japan and Kenya as they seek to extend their impressive run in Morocco.

The Black Maidens will be eager to maintain their momentum, secure a place in the semifinals and improve on their previous achievements as they continue their pursuit of the tournament title.