Black Maidens Suffer 3-0 defeat to Norway in World Cup opener

Ghana’s Black Maidens began their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening Group C fixture at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

Norway made a fast start, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Isabella Lepore before Maia Melgård doubled their advantage seven minutes later to put Ghana under early pressure.

Despite conceding twice early in the game, the Black Maidens continued to work hard and created a few opportunities as they sought a way back into the contest. The Ghanaian side showed commitment collectively, although they were unable to convert their chances into goals.

Jessica Appiah Asamoah was particularly lively on the flanks, pressing the Norwegian defence and working hard to create openings. She played the full 90 minutes and was one of the players who continued to push Ghana forward, even as Norway maintained control of their lead.

The Black Maidens’ efforts, however, did not produce the breakthrough they needed, and Melgård struck again in the 80th minute to complete her brace and seal a 3-0 victory for Norway.

The result leaves Ghana needing to regroup ahead of their next Group C fixture against Brazil on October 21, before concluding the group stage against Canada on October 24.

The result leaves Brazil top of Group C after their 6-2 win over Canada. Norway sit second following their 3-0 victory over Ghana, while Ghana are third and Canada occupy fourth place after the opening round of matches.

With two matches remaining, the Black Maidens will look to improve their finishing and turn their efforts into a positive result as they seek to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.