Black Maidens welcomed home after Ghanaâ??s U-17 World Cup quarter-final run

Ghana’s Black Maidens have returned home after reaching the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.

The team arrived in Ghana on Monday following a campaign that ended with a narrow defeat by Japan, placing the Black Maidens among the top eight teams in the world.

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku met the players and technical staff at their base in Accra on Monday morning to congratulate them on their performance and their representation of Ghana on the world stage.

He praised the squad’s discipline, fighting spirit and tactical organisation throughout the tournament, and urged the players to use their experience in Morocco as a foundation for their continued development.

Ghana secured their place in the quarter-finals after a dramatic Round of 16 victory over Argentina. The match finished 1-1 in regulation time before the Black Maidens prevailed 5-4 on penalties.

They had been reduced to 10 players after Hajara Adam was sent off, but held their nerve in the shootout. Jessica Appiah converted the decisive penalty and was named Player of the Match.

In the last eight, Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side faced a disciplined Japan team. Ghana were beaten 1-0 after Nanami Kurita scored in the 54th minute.

Japan have since progressed to the semi-finals after ending what had been their quarter-final curse.

President Simeon-Okraku also commended Adarkwa and his backroom staff for guiding the team through to the quarter-finals despite a number of setbacks caused by injuries and suspensions.

Captain Seidatu Wahab and Hajara Adam were both unavailable for the match against Japan.

Several players produced notable performances during Ghana’s run, including Jessica Appiah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo, Osman Rafia, Gloria Ameaa Adomako and goalkeeper Belinda Marku Aklie.

The GFA president assured the team that the Association would continue to support and invest in women’s youth football, with the aim of helping the Black Maidens return stronger in future competitions.

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