FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Black Maidens hold Brazil to 3-3 draw ahead of Canada clash

Ghana’s Black Maidens produced an improved performance to hold Brazil to a thrilling 3-3 draw in their second Group C match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Brazil took the lead through Nicolly in the seventh minute before Rafia Osman equalised for Ghana in the 31st minute. Gloria Adomako Ameaa then put the Black Maidens ahead in the 35th minute, with Cynthia Obinsrewuo providing the assist.

However, Kaillany Ranifah restored parity for Brazil in the 44th minute before Indy scored in the 57th minute to give the South Americans the lead once again.

Ghana created several opportunities and thought they had scored through Cynthia Obinsrewuo in the 76th minute, but her effort was ruled out for offside.

Substitute Priscilla Mensah, who replaced Cynthia in the 84th minute, made an immediate impact by scoring in the 85th minute after being set up by Jessica Appiah Asamoah to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie also made several important saves despite conceding three goals, helping the Black Maidens remain competitive throughout the encounter.

Brazil’s goalkeeper Nathalia received the match’s only yellow card in the 16th minute after fouling Cynthia Obinsrewuo outside the penalty area.

In the group’s other match, Canada defeated Norway 3-2, leaving the Group C standings finely poised heading into the final round of matches.

Brazil lead the group with four points, followed by Norway in second place with three points. Canada also have three points but sit third, while Ghana are bottom with one point.

The Black Maidens will now turn their attention to their final group match against Canada, knowing that a positive result is crucial to their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

Despite sitting bottom of the group, Ghana’s spirited display against Brazil offers encouragement. However, the Black Maidens will rue their missed opportunities, having squandered several clear chances that could have secured all three points instead of a draw.

They must now sharpen their finishing ahead of their final group match against Canada on Saturday October 24, where another strong performance will need to be matched by greater efficiency in front of goal.