Goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie announced her arrival on the international stage in style, keeping a clean sheet on her debut as Ghana’s Black Maidens secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Togo in the first leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
The encounter, played on Sunday, April 12 at the Stade de Kégué, saw the Ghanaian side deliver a composed and clinical performance to take control of the tie.
Aklie, who plies her trade with Division One side Cabfix Ladies FC, has been in impressive form in recent months. She notably recorded a clean sheet against Premiership side Oak Ladies during the 2025/26 Women’s FA Cup, helping Cabfix Ladies secure a narrow 1-0 victory in the Round of 64.
Ghana made their intent clear early in the game, with Priscilla Mensah opening the scoring in the 16th minute after finishing off a well-worked attacking move. The goal was initiated by a quick distribution from Aklie, who reacted sharply after saving a free kick and released the ball swiftly to set up Jessica Appiah Asamoah, who then provided the assist.
The Black Maidens maintained their dominance in the second half, and Priscilla Mensah struck again in the 64th minute with a composed finish, completing her brace and sealing an important away win for Ghana.
Speaking after the match, Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa praised the young goalkeeper for her impressive debut performance, describing her as “super.” He added that the technical team is committed to nurturing her talent, saying, “We are ready to work on her to continue the good works.”
The result puts the Black Maidens in a strong position ahead of the return leg, which is scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, April 18 at 3:30pm.
