Ghana Makes History After Eliminating Tournament Favourite 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 delivered an impressive performance to knock Argentina out of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, booking their place in the quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout.

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

Ghana entered the knockout match determined to extend their impressive campaign, knowing that a victory would bring them closer to competing for one of the biggest trophies in women’s youth football.

The African side made a positive start and took the lead in the 16th minute through Jessica Appiah, who finished off an excellent attacking move involving Cynthia Obinsrewuo.

Appiah’s early goal gave Ghana a crucial advantage and forced Argentina to push forward in search of an equaliser.

The South American side created several chances, with Mercedes Diz coming close to scoring when her effort struck the crossbar.

Ghana also threatened to increase their lead when Obinsrewuo lifted the ball over Argentina goalkeeper Bianca Virga. However, the effort was ruled out for offside.

The contest became more challenging for the Black Maidens in the closing stages after Hajara Adam received her second yellow card in the 77th minute, leaving Ghana with ten players.

Argentina eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Mercedes Diz heading home an equaliser in the 86th minute.

With neither side able to find a winner before the end of regulation time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout.

Despite playing with ten players during the closing stages, Ghana showed impressive composure from the spot, converting all five of their penalties. Argentina, meanwhile, suffered a setback when Oriana Gomez failed to convert her attempt.

Jessica Appiah eventually scored Ghana’s decisive penalty, capping a memorable performance that also earned her the Player of the Match award.

The victory secured Ghana’s place in the quarterfinals, marking their first appearance at that stage of the competition since 2018.

The Black Maidens previously reached the quarterfinals in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. Their most successful campaign came in 2012, when they finished third.

Their latest achievement marks a promising return to the international stage after an eight-year absence from the tournament.

For Argentina, the defeat ended their historic debut campaign at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, despite their efforts to progress further in the competition.

Ghana will now prepare for the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the match between Japan and Kenya.

The Black Maidens will be hoping to maintain their momentum as they target another semifinal appearance and look to improve on their previous achievements in the tournament.

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