Ghana’s Black Maidens face Argentina test in 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16

Ghana’s Black Maidens will face Argentina in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, after securing qualification with a crucial 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group B fixture in Morocco.

Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side booked their place in the knockout stage with four points from three matches, recovering from an opening 3-0 defeat to Norway to draw 3-3 with Brazil before overcoming Canada in a must-win encounter.

Argentina, who topped their group, now stand between Ghana and a place in the quarter-finals. The South Americans present a formidable challenge, but the Black Maidens will take confidence from the resilience they showed to reach the last 16.

Substitute Linda Achiaa inspires decisive victory over Canada

Ghana secured the three points they needed against Canada to leapfrog their opponents and advance to the knockout stage, while the North Americans were left waiting to discover whether they could progress as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The Black Maidens created the clearest opportunity of the first half through Jessica Appiah, who produced an impressive individual run through the Canadian half before unleashing a powerful effort.

However, Canadian goalkeeper Megan Lemieux reacted superbly to tip the shot onto the post, keeping the contest goalless as both sides searched for a breakthrough.

With qualification at stake, Adarkwa turned to his substitutes in the second half, and the changes proved decisive.

A looping forward pass from Hajara Adam caused problems for the Canadian defence, with the ball coming back off the post before falling into the path of Priscilla Mensah.

Mensah then picked out fellow substitute Linda Achiaa, who calmly steered the ball home with her first touch to give Ghana the lead just 35 seconds after entering the game.

The goal provided the breakthrough the Maidens desperately needed and shifted the pressure onto Canada, who had to respond to keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive.

Ghana remained determined to protect their advantage before delivering the decisive blow in stoppage time.

Christiana Ashiaku seals Black Maidens’ progression

The Maidens confirmed their victory late in the contest when another substitute, Christiana Ashiaku, struck from distance to make it 2-0.

Her effort extinguished Canada’s hopes of rescuing the match and sparked celebrations among the Ghanaian players and technical team.

The victory completed a determined response from Adarkwa’s side after their difficult start to the tournament. Ghana had lost 3-0 to Norway in their opening fixture before producing an entertaining 3-3 draw against Brazil to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Those four points proved enough to secure a place in the Round of 16, with the win over Canada ensuring the Maidens did not have to depend on other results to advance.

The performance also highlighted the impact of Ghana’s bench, with Achiaa and Ashiaku scoring the goals that settled the decisive encounter after entering the match as substitutes.

Argentina await in crucial knockout encounter

Ghana must now turn their attention to Argentina, who topped their group to set up the last-16 meeting with the African side.

The knockout fixture offers the Black Maidens an opportunity to build on their recovery in the group stage and move closer to a place among the tournament’s final eight teams.

Adarkwa’s players will need another disciplined performance against an Argentine side that has demonstrated its quality by finishing top of its group.

However, Ghana’s comeback from an opening defeat to Norway, followed by their spirited display against Brazil and decisive victory over Canada, has demonstrated their capacity to respond under pressure.

With a quarter-final place at stake, the Black Maidens will hope to carry that momentum into Wednesday’s showdown as they pursue further progress at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.