Ghana’s Black Maidens secured a valuable away draw on Friday, July 3, 2026, after battling to a 1–1 result against Senegal in Dakar at the Stade Léopold-Sédar-Senghor in the first leg of the third and final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The competition is part of the qualification pathway to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026.
Ghana almost made a perfect start to the match, creating their first clear opportunity in the second minute, but the effort went just wide of the post.
Senegal grew into the game and were awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute after Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie was penalised following a collision in a one-on-one situation inside the box. The hosts converted from the spot to take a 1–0 lead.
Despite the setback, Ghana remained organized defensively and went into the break trailing by a single goal.
The Black Maidens, who had not conceded a goal throughout their previous qualifying rounds, showed resilience and discipline as they pushed for an equaliser in the second half.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when substitute Benedicta Nketiah Danso found the back of the net to restore parity for Ghana.
Senegal thought they had snatched a late winner in the 89th minute, but their goal was ruled out for offside, allowing Ghana to escape with a crucial away draw.
The second leg will be played in Accra between July 10 and July 12, 2026, where the overall winner will secure qualification to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
