Ghana Set Up Blockbuster FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Quarter-Final Clash Against Japan

According to a report by Daily Graphic on Sunday November 1, 2026, Ghana’s Black Maidens have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where they are set to face Japan in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

The qualification marks another important milestone for Ghana’s young female footballers, who will now turn their attention to the difficult challenge posed by the Japanese side as they seek to advance to the semi-finals.

The encounter is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm GMT. The winner will earn a place in the semi-finals.

Ghana booked their quarter-final ticket after producing a determined performance to eliminate Argentina in the Round of 16. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time before the Black Maidens secured a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.

Jessica Appiah was instrumental in Ghana’s success, giving the team an early advantage in the 16th minute after connecting with a pass from Cynthia Obinsrewuo.

However, Argentina fought back and scored a late equaliser through Mercedes Diz in the 86th minute.

Ghana’s challenge became more difficult when Hajara Adam received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the team to continue with 10 players.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the young Ghanaian players displayed remarkable determination to force the match into penalties and eventually progress.

Japan, on the other hand, qualified for the quarter-finals after recording a 3-1 victory over Kenya in their Round of 16 encounter.

The Asian side will therefore present a difficult test for Ghana, having demonstrated impressive technical ability and attacking quality throughout the competition.

The Japanese team are also two-time champions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, making them one of the experienced sides at this stage of the tournament.

Ghana head coach Joe Nana Adarkwah will be counting on the attacking qualities of Jessica Appiah and Cynthia Obinsrewuo, alongside the defensive organisation of his players, to overcome the Japanese challenge.

The Black Maidens will also be hoping goalkeeper Belinda Marku Aklie delivers another impressive performance as they attempt to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

A victory against Japan would take Ghana into the semi-finals, a stage they last reached in 2012 when they went on to win bronze.

With the competition entering its decisive stage, the Black Maidens will be determined to prove their quality against one of the tournament’s strongest teams and make Ghana proud on the global stage.

Intro-News feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com