Ghana’s Black Maidens are heading to the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Senegal 7-6 on penalties in a nerve-racking final qualifying tie at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The Black Maidens held their composure from the spot after the second leg ended 1-1, sealing qualification with a 2-2 aggregate score following an identical result in the first leg in Dakar.
It was Senegal who struck the first blow, silencing the home crowd with an early opener in the 10th minute to pile pressure on the hosts. The goal meant Ghana had to respond quickly to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The Black Maidens gradually settled into the contest and found the breakthrough just before the interval. Captain Seidatu, who plays for Oaks FC, capped a flowing attacking move with a composed finish in the 44th minute to draw Ghana level and restore belief heading into halftime.
The second half was a tense affair as both teams searched for the goal that would secure automatic qualification. Ghana enjoyed promising spells in possession while Senegal remained a constant threat on the break, but neither side could find a winner as both defences stood firm.
With the aggregate score locked at 2-2 after regulation time and no provision for extra time in the qualification format, the decisive tie was settled through a penalty shootout.
The two sides traded successful spot-kicks in a gripping contest before the Black Maidens held their nerve to emerge 7-6 winners, sparking wild celebrations among the players, coaching staff and supporters inside the Accra Sports Stadium.
The victory underlined the resilience and determination of head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side, who recovered from an early setback before producing a flawless display under immense pressure to secure their place on the world stage.
Ghana’s qualification represents another major milestone for the country’s women’s youth football programme and offers the Black Maidens another opportunity to compete against the world’s best young talents.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, with the Black Maidens now set to represent Ghana after overcoming a spirited Senegal side in one of the most dramatic qualifying ties of the campaign.
