Black Maidens return home after FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-final run

Ghana’s Black Maidens have returned home following their quarter-final appearance at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The team arrived in Ghana on Monday after an impressive campaign that saw them reach the last eight. They defeated Argentina 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Japan in the quarter-finals.

President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, welcomed the team in Accra on Monday, congratulating the players and technical staff for their efforts and commitment throughout the tournament.

He praised the team’s discipline, resilience and fighting spirit, while commending head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa and his technical staff for guiding the side to the quarter-finals despite injury and suspension setbacks.

President Simeon-Okraku assured the team of the Association’s continued support and commitment to developing women’s youth football.

The campaign also featured notable performances from Jessica Appiah Asamoah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo, Seidatu Wahab, Rafia Osman, Gloria Adomako Ameaa and goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie, whose contributions helped Ghana make a strong impression on the world stage.