Ghana’s Black Maidens reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Argentina in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in their Round of 16 tie.
Jessica Appiah put Ghana ahead in the 16th minute, but the Black Maidens were unable to make their early advantage count despite creating further opportunities.
The match became more difficult for Ghana in the closing stages. Captain Seidatu Wahab left the field with an injury in the 72nd minute, while Hajara Adams was later shown a second yellow card and sent off.
Ghana were reduced to 10 players, allowing Argentina to take advantage of their numerical superiority. Argentina levelled in the 85th minute, sending the match directly to a penalty shootout.
The Black Maidens held their nerve from the spot, converting all five of their penalties. Appiah took the decisive kick and scored, while Argentina missed one of their attempts.
The victory takes Ghana into the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the fifth time in the team’s history, extending their impressive record in the competition.
Ghana will play either Kenya or Japan in the last eight as they continue their bid to reach the semi-finals.
