Black Maidens return home after FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter-final exit

Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team, the Black Maidens, have returned home following their quarter-final exit from the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team arrived in Accra on Monday after an impressive campaign that saw them reach the last eight and finish among the tournament’s top eight teams.

The Black Maidens secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Argentina in the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Ghana played much of the encounter with 10 players following the dismissal of Hajara Adam, but Jessica Appiah converted the decisive spot-kick and was named Player of the Match.

Their campaign ended against Japan, who secured a narrow 1-0 victory through Nanami Kurita’s 54th-minute strike to progress to the semi-finals.

Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku met the team at their base in Accra to congratulate the players and technical staff on their performance.

He praised their discipline, fighting spirit and tactical organisation, while commending head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa and his technical team for guiding the side through injury and suspension challenges.

Simeon-Okraku also assured the team of the Association’s continued commitment to developing women’s youth football, urging the players to build on their World Cup experience as they prepare for future competitions.

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