Black Maidens arrive in Rabat with final 21-player squad for Morocco 2026

Ghana’s Black Maidens have arrived in Rabat ahead of their campaign at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, bringing their two-week preparations in Casablanca to a close as head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa prepares to lead his final 21-player squad into the global competition.

The team moved to the Moroccan capital after a training camp in Casablanca, where they fine-tuned their preparations with international friendly matches against China and Kenya. Their final warm-up fixture saw Ghana fight back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Kenya, with captain Sadiatu Wahab converting a penalty before Priscilla Mensah headed home the winner.

That comeback provides a timely confidence boost for a side returning to the tournament after missing the previous edition, with hopes of making another strong impression on the world stage.

Adarkwa’s squad features players drawn from clubs across Ghana, with a blend of goalkeeping options, defensive depth, midfield creativity and attacking talent tasked with navigating a demanding Group C.

Black Maidens’ Final 21-Player Squad

Goalkeepers

Belinda Maku Aklie — Cabfix Ladies
Rahima Abubakari Napari — Northern City Ladies
Josephine Nyanfule — Fosu Royals Ladies

Defenders

Matilda Abu Bonsra Amoah — Arm of God Ladies
Hajara Adam — Tamale Super Ladies
Latifa Musah — Sissamba Ladies
Mavis Koah — Rootz Sistaz
Rafia Osman — Tamale Super Ladies
Juliana Gyekyewaa — Rootz Sistaz
Seraphina Essenam Esse — Oak Ladies

Midfielders

Belinda Kpentey — Rootz Sistaz
Christiana Ashiaku — Rootz Sistaz
Benedicta Danso Nketiah — KAC Ladies
Seidatu Wahab — Oak Ladies
Zeinab Shani — Savannah Ladies
Sekinatu Amadu — Jonina Ladies FC

Forwards

Priscilla Mensah — Sissamba Ladies
Linda Achiaa — Army Ladies
Jessica Appiah Asamoah — Epiphany Warriors
Cynthia Obinsrewuo — Police Ladies
Gloria Amea Adomako — Ampem Darkoa Ladies

Ghana will begin their Group C campaign against Norway on Sunday, October 18, before taking on Brazil on Wednesday, October 21. The Black Maidens will then conclude their group-stage fixtures against Canada on Saturday, October 24.

All three matches will be played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco, giving Ghana a consistent venue as they seek to progress to the knockout stage.

Ghana’s Group C fixtures

October 18: Norway vs Ghana — 18:00
October 21: Ghana vs Brazil — 18:00
October 24: Ghana vs Canada — 15:00

The Black Maidens head into the tournament with a proud history at this level, highlighted by their bronze-medal finish in 2012 and three quarter-final appearances.

With their preparations complete and their final squad confirmed, Ghana will now turn their attention to the opening challenge against Norway, knowing that a positive start could prove crucial to their hopes of advancing from a competitive group. The tournament kicks off on Saturday October 17.