Black Maidens Beat Argentina on Penalties to Reach U-17 Women’s World Cup Quarter-Finals

Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team, the Black Maidens, have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Argentina 5–4 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw in regulation time.

The Black Maidens showed resilience and determination to progress to the last eight, overcoming a late Argentine equaliser and the challenge of playing with 10 players after Hajara Adam was sent off in the 77th minute.

Ghana made a strong start to the contest, with Jessica Appiah scoring in the 16th minute to give the African side an early lead. Her goal put the Black Maidens in a favourable position as they sought to secure qualification within regulation time.

However, Argentina fought back and found the equaliser through Mercedes Diz in the 86th minute, forcing the match into a penalty shootout after the teams could not be separated at the end of regulation time.

Despite the late setback and the numerical disadvantage following Adam’s dismissal, Ghana held their nerve in the decisive shootout to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Appiah, Juliana Gyekyewaa, Rafia Osman, Christiana Ashiaku and Saraphina Essenam all converted their penalties for Ghana. Argentina’s Oriana Gomez missed her attempt, proving decisive as the Black Maidens clinched a 5–4 victory.

The result marks another important step in Ghana’s campaign at the global youth tournament, with the team now looking ahead to the quarter-finals and the opportunity to move closer to the title.

Ghana will face the winner of the Round of 16 encounter between Japan and Kenya for a place in the semi-finals.

The Black Maidens will be hoping to build on their victory over Argentina as they continue their quest for glory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.