Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie has recorded her first clean sheet at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, helping the Black Maidens secure a 2-0 victory over Canada and book their place in the Round of 16 in Morocco.

It was a special moment for the young goalkeeper, whose World Cup journey has been one of learning, resilience and improvement.

Belinda came under criticism from some Ghanaian supporters after conceding three goals in the opening match against Norway. However, she showed signs of improvement in the subsequent 3-3 draw against Brazil, making important saves despite conceding three goals again.

Against Canada, the Cabfix Ladies goalkeeper took another significant step, keeping a clean sheet as Ghana secured the victory they needed to progress to the knockout stage.

Her performance reflects the demands of playing at the highest level of youth international football, where young players must learn, adapt and respond under pressure.

Belinda’s journey to Morocco has also been marked by international experience. She featured prominently during Ghana’s U-17 qualifying campaign, helping the team secure its place at the World Cup. She also made her debut for the Black Princesses, Ghana’s U-20 women’s team, and contributed to their qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. However, she could not travel to Poland, as her commitments with the Black Maidens, including the WAFU B campaign and U-17 World Cup preparations, took priority.

Now, with her first World Cup clean sheet secured and Ghana through to the Round of 16, Belinda has another milestone to celebrate.

For a young goalkeeper experiencing her first World Cup, the journey has not been without challenges. But her response on the pitch against Canada offers encouragement and a reminder that development is a process.

As the Black Maidens prepare for the next stage of the competition, Belinda will hope to build on this performance and continue proving herself on the world stage.

Ghana’s Black Maidens have booked their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after securing a 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group C match.

The Ghanaian side delivered when it mattered most, with Linda Achiaa opening the scoring in the 65th minute to put the Black Maidens in front.

Christiana Ashiaku then sealed the victory in the 90th minute plus five, confirming all three points for Ghana.

The win also saw goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie record her first clean sheet of the tournament, keeping Canada at bay as Ghana secured a crucial victory.

The result takes Ghana to four points from three matches, securing second place in Group C and a place in the knockout stage.

After opening their campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Norway, the Black Maidens bounced back with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Brazil before producing a decisive performance against Canada.

The qualification marks a significant achievement for coach Joe Nana Adarkwa and his young team, who have shown resilience and determination to keep their World Cup campaign alive.

With their place in the Round of 16 secured, the Black Maidens will now turn their attention to the knockout stage as they continue their quest for glory in Morocco.

Ghana’s Jessica Appiah Asamoah was named Player of the Match following the Black Maidens’ thrilling 3-3 draw against Brazil at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The winger has been one of Ghana’s standout performers in the tournament, having impressed in the opening game against Norway before producing another energetic display against Brazil.

Jessica consistently posed a threat from the flanks, delivering dangerous crosses, creating scoring opportunities and making several attempts at goal. Although she was unable to find the net herself, her persistence and attacking influence proved important for Ghana.

Her efforts paid off in the 85th minute when she provided the assist for substitute Priscilla Mensah’s equaliser, helping the Black Maidens secure a valuable point against the South Americans.

Her Player of the Match recognition further highlights her growing influence in Ghana’s attack as the team prepares for its final Group C fixture against Canada, with qualification hopes still alive.

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.