Black Maidens edge Argentina on penalties to reach Quarterfinals

Ghana’s Black Maidens booked their place in the next round after beating Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, with Jessica Appiah Asamoah converting the decisive spot kick.

Jessica Appiah Asamoah gave Ghana the lead in the 16th minute, putting the Black Maidens in front in a closely contested encounter.

Ghana thought they had doubled their advantage in the 50th minute when Cynthia Obinsrewuo found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. She was substituted two minutes later, with Priscilla Mensah coming on in her place.

The Black Maidens suffered a setback in the 72nd minute when captain Seidatu Wahab was forced off through injury, making way for Belinda Kpentey.

Ghana’s challenge became more difficult in the 77th minute when Hajara Adam received a red card after picking up her second yellow card of the match, leaving the team to continue with ten players.

Argentina capitalised late in the game, drawing level in the 86th minute through Diz. The equaliser followed a free-kick situation after substitute Zeinab Shani fouled an Argentine player shortly after coming on, earning herself a yellow card.

Despite the late setback and numerical disadvantage, Ghana held on through 9 minutes and 10 minutes of added time before the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.

The Black Maidens held their nerve from the spot to secure a 5-4 victory. Essenam converted Ghana’s first penalty, followed by Christiana Ashiaku, while captain Osman scored the third. Juliana Gyekyewaa converted the fourth before Jessica Appiah Asamoah stepped up to score the decisive kick and seal Ghana’s victory.

Goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie was also instrumental in keeping Ghana in the contest, producing several important saves during the match before conceding Argentina’s equaliser. She continued to make crucial interventions to help keep the Black Maidens in contention.

The victory sends Ghana through to the next round, where they will face either Japan or Kenya, depending on the outcome of their match.

For the Black Maidens, it was a test of resilience, composure and determination as they overcame a late equaliser, a red card and the pressure of a penalty shootout to keep their campaign alive.