According to a report by ESPN on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Ghana's U-17 women's national team produced an impressive performance to eliminate Argentina from the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, securing qualification for the quarterfinals following a dramatic penalty shootout.

The West African representatives, popularly known as the Black Maidens, defeated their South American opponents 5-4 on penalties after both teams played out a 1-1 draw during regulation time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

Ghana entered the knockout encounter determined to continue their impressive campaign, knowing that victory would move them closer to competing for one of the most prestigious trophies in women's youth football.

The African side made an encouraging start and eventually broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Jessica Appiah, who capitalised on an excellent attacking move involving Cynthia Obinsrewuo.

Appiah's early goal handed Ghana an important advantage and forced Argentina to increase their attacking efforts in search of an equaliser.

The South American team created several opportunities, with Mercedes Diz coming particularly close after her effort struck the crossbar.

Ghana also threatened to extend their advantage when Obinsrewuo lifted the ball over Argentina goalkeeper Bianca Virga, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The encounter became increasingly difficult for the Black Maidens during the closing stages when Hajara Adam received her second yellow card in the 77th minute, leaving Ghana with only ten players.

Argentina subsequently took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Mercedes Diz scoring an important equaliser in the 86th minute through a well-directed header.

With the score remaining 1-1 at the end of regulation time, both countries were forced to settle the contest through a penalty shootout.

Despite playing the closing stages with fewer players, Ghana demonstrated remarkable composure during the decisive shootout.

The Black Maidens successfully converted all five of their penalties, while Argentina's Oriana Gomez failed to score from the spot.

Jessica Appiah eventually converted Ghana's winning penalty, completing a memorable performance that earned her the Player of the Match award.

The result confirmed Ghana's qualification for the quarterfinals, marking their first appearance at that stage of the competition since 2018.

Ghana previously reached the quarterfinals in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018, with their most successful campaign coming in 2012 when they finished third.

Their latest achievement represents an encouraging return to the international stage after an eight-year absence from the tournament.

For Argentina, the defeat brought an end to their historic debut campaign at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup despite their determination to progress further.

Ghana will now turn their attention to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the encounter between Japan and Kenya.

The Black Maidens will be hoping to maintain their impressive form as they pursue another semifinal appearance and attempt to improve on their previous achievements in the competition.