Ghanas Black Maidens secured a place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group B match in Morocco.
The result gave Joe Nana Adarkwas team the points they needed to move above Canada and qualify from the group. Canada, meanwhile, must wait to discover whether they advance as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Ghana created the clearest opportunity of a goalless first half when Jessica Appiah drove through the Canadian defence and unleashed a powerful shot. Canada goalkeeper Megan Lemieux reacted sharply to tip the effort against the post.
The match changed after Adarkwa made a double substitution. A looping pass from Hajara Adam travelled deep into the Canada penalty area before striking the post, and Priscilla Mensah reacted first to the loose ball.
Mensah then picked out fellow substitute Linda Achiaa, who guided the ball into the net with her first touch. Achiaa had been on the pitch for only 35 seconds when she gave Ghana the lead.
Canada were unable to respond, and Ghana secured the result in stoppage time. Christiana Ashiaku, another substitute, struck from distance to make it 2-0 and prompt celebrations among the Ghanaian players and staff.
The Black Maidens finish the group stage with four points from three matches. They opened the tournament with a 0-3 defeat by Norway before earning a spirited 3-3 draw against Brazil.
Ghana will now prepare for its Round of 16 tie, while Canada awaits confirmation of its position among the third-placed teams.
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