FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Ghana overcome Argentina despite red card to book quarter-final place

Ghana’s Black Maidens have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after beating Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Wednesday.

The victory marks a successful return to the tournament for Ghana, who are making their seventh appearance at the competition after an eight-year absence.

Jessica Appiah gave the Black Maidens an early lead in the 16th minute, with Cynthia Obinsrewuo providing the assist, but Argentina fought back late in the game to force a penalty shootout.

Appiah gives Ghana the lead

Ghana started brightly and took the lead when Appiah converted in the 16th minute following a pass from Obinsrewuo.

The Black Maidens maintained their advantage until half-time but missed several opportunities to extend their lead and put the contest beyond Argentina.

Goalkeeper Belinda Aklie produced a series of important saves to preserve Ghana’s advantage as Argentina searched for a way back into the match.

Red card changes the contest

Ghana’s challenge became more difficult in the 77th minute when Hajara Adam received a second yellow card and was sent off.

Argentina capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Mercedes Diz heading home in the 86th minute to restore parity.

The goal was Diz’s seventh of the tournament and ensured the contest ended 1-1 in regulation time, forcing the teams to settle the outcome through penalties.

Black Maidens hold their nerve

Despite playing with 10 players for the closing stages, Ghana kept their composure in the shootout to secure a 5-4 victory and advance to the last eight.

The result represents another important milestone for the Black Maidens, who previously reached the quarter-finals in four consecutive editions between 2012 and 2018.

Their latest achievement marks Ghana’s return to the latter stages of the competition after missing the tournament for eight years.

Japan or Kenya await Ghana

Ghana will face the winner of the Round of 16 match between Japan and Kenya in the quarter-finals as they seek to extend their run at the tournament.

The Black Maidens will take confidence from their victory over Argentina as they prepare for their next challenge in the quest to progress further at the global competition.