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Ghana's Black Maidens have qualified for the 2026 U-17 Women's World Cup after beating Senegal 7-6 in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 aggregate draw. The game, played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, July 11, went into extra time after both teams scored a goal each in each leg of the tie. Ghana's qualification to this year's tournament represents a significant return, after the team missed out on the last two editions of the tournament due to a ban in 2022.

The two teams played out a thrilling game that had all the makings of a classic football match. Ghana's dominance in the game was evident early on, as they took the lead in the opening 10 minutes of the game. However, Senegal's side refused to give up, and they managed to draw level through Seidatu Wahab's stunning goal in the closing stages of the first half. Ghana continued to dominate the game in the second half, but the Senegalese side's defense held strong, and the score remained 1-1 at the end of the 90 minutes.

The game was still 1-1 at the end of the 90 minutes, taking the game into extra time. Seidatu Wahab and Jessica Appiah Asamoah, both from Ghana, scored the only two goals in the thrilling encounter. However, Senegal and Ghana were still tied 2-2 at the end of the 90 minutes, sending the tie into a penalty shootout. In the end, Ghana's Black Maidens won the shootout 7-6, with Jessica Appiah Asamoah scoring the winning penalty.

Anita Yeboah and three other players from Ghana's Black Maidens missed their penalty kicks, but their teammates' successful kicks ensured that Ghana qualified for the tournament. On the other hand, Senegal missed two of their eight kicks, which sealed their fate and sent them out of the tournament.

Ghana's qualification to the tournament is seen as a significant milestone for the team, which has been working hard to regain its footing in female football. For the team's coach, Joe Nana Adarkwa, the win is a great boost to the team's morale and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players. We spoke to Coach Adarkwa after the game, and he expressed his excitement and pride in the team's achievement.

'This is a great moment for Ghana's football, and I am so proud of the girls for their hard work and dedication. Qualifying for the World Cup is a significant milestone, and we look forward to taking on the best teams in the world.'

  • Joe Nana Adarkwa, Ghana's U-17 Women's World Cup coach.