By Nadia Ntiamoah
The quest to secure another appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup has moved a step closer after the Black Maidens booked their place in the final qualifying round with a commanding display against Liberia, setting up a crucial encounter with Senegal for a place at the global tournament.
The Black Maidens continued their impressive run in the qualifiers by completing an emphatic 8-0 aggregate victory over Liberia. Having established a commanding 6-0 advantage in the first leg in Accra, the Ghanaian girls travelled to Monrovia and wrapped up the tie with a professional 2-0 victory to confirm their superiority and progression to the final stage of the qualification series.
Two expertly executed free-kicks proved decisive in the return leg as Seidatu Wahab and Juliana Gyekyewaa found the back of the net to secure another comfortable win for the Black Maidens. Their goals capped another dominant performance from a team that has emerged as one of the standout sides in the African qualifiers.
The victory extended the remarkable record in the campaign. Before overcoming Liberia, the Black Maidens had also swept aside neighbouring Togo in the opening round, recording an identical 8-0 aggregate scoreline.
Across four qualification matches, Ghana have scored an astonishing 16 goals while maintaining a perfect defensive record, yet to concede a single goal.
The team’s attacking efficiency and defensive solidity have highlighted the progress being made within the women’s youth football structure.
Their performances have reinforced the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s strongest producers of female football talent.
However, the toughest challenge now awaits. Standing between Ghana and qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is a formidable Senegal side that has also impressed during the qualification campaign.
The two nations will battle over two legs in the final round, with the first leg scheduled between July 3 and July 5, while the return encounter will take place between July 10 and July 12, 2026. The winner on aggregate will secure one of Africa’s coveted slots at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The upcoming clash carries significant importance for Ghana, which boasts a proud history in the competition. Over the years, the Black Maidens have consistently represented the nation on the global stage and have played a key role in developing several players who later progressed to the Black Princesses and Black Queens.
