2026 U17 WWC: Black Maidens book knockout spot with win over Canada

Ghana produced a great second half performance to advance into the knockout stages of the ongoing U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Black Maidens defeated Canada 2-0 in their final group game of the tournament to finish second in Group C after a troubling start to the tournament.

Nana Joe Adarkwa’s side came into the final group game knowing only a win was enough to get them into the next phase of the competition.

Despite a strong start to the game, the Maidens always rushed their final third decision making, leaving them with no goals after 45 minutes despite 13 attempts.

After the recess, Ghana continued to create chances in the game with Gloria Ameaa and Jessica Appiah posing dangers to the Canadian defence but both players were unable to find the back of the net.

Adarkwa called on his bench halfway through the second half, bringing on Linda Achiaa and Christiana Ashiaku.

Those changes yielded results as Achiaa scored with her first touch after the ball deflected off the crossbar, opening the scoring in the game.

In the closing stages of the encounter, Ashiaku doubled the lead for the Black Maidens with a brilliant strike, lobbing it over the goalkeeper to wrap up the victory.

The win sees Ghana finish their group campaign in second place with four points, behind Brazil who claimed seven points from three games.

Ghana also advance into the round of 16 on their return to the global stage at the U-17 level following their comeback from a two-edition ban.