Omanghana
Ghana’s Black Maidens advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Morocco on Wednesday, October 28.
Jessica Appiah scored Ghana’s opening goal and converted the decisive spot-kick, helping the team overcome a late equaliser after being reduced to 10 players. She was named Player of the Match.
Appiah Gives Ghana Early Advantage
Ghana took the lead in the 16th minute when Cynthia Obinsrewuo supplied Appiah, who finished to put the Black Maidens ahead.
Argentina threatened through Mercedes Diz, whose effort struck the crossbar. Obinsrewuo later appeared to have doubled Ghana’s advantage after lifting the ball over goalkeeper Bianca Virga, but her effort was ruled out for offside.
Red Card and Late Equaliser
The contest became more difficult for Ghana in the 77th minute when defender Hajara Adam received a second yellow card.
Argentina made their numerical advantage count in the 86th minute as Diz headed home from a free-kick to draw level. Neither side found another goal, sending the tie to penalties.
Perfect Shootout Sends Ghana Through
The Black Maidens converted all five penalties, with Saraphina Essenam, Christiana Ashiaku, Rafia Osman, Juliana Gyekyewaa and Appiah finding the net.
Oriana Gomez missed for Argentina, leaving Appiah to complete Ghana’s victory with the winning kick.
The result secured Ghana’s fifth quarter-final appearance in the competition. The Black Maidens will face the winner of Japan’s Round of 16 meeting with Kenya for a place in the semi-finals.
Source: Omangana
