Black Maidens Secure Crucial Away Draw Against Senegal in Final 2026 U-17 World Cup Qualifier

Ghana’s national U-17 women’s football team, the Black Maidens, staged a resilient comeback to earn a 1-1 draw against Senegal in the first leg of their final 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match. Playing away from home, the Ghanaian side demonstrated significant character to cancel out an early deficit, ensuring they remain in a strong position heading into the decisive second leg. The result keeps Ghana's hopes alive as they seek to return to the global stage for the upcoming tournament.

The match began with Senegal exerting early pressure on the Ghanaian defense. This persistence paid off in the 22nd minute when the hosts were awarded a penalty following a defensive lapse in the box. Senegal successfully converted the spot-kick to take a 1-0 lead, a scoreline they managed to maintain for the majority of the contest. Despite the setback, the Black Maidens continued to search for an equalizer, creating several opportunities throughout the second half but initially failing to breach the sturdy Senegalese backline.

The turning point of the match occurred late in the game through a strategic tactical move by the Ghanaian coaching staff. Benedicta Nketiah Danso was introduced as a substitute to bolster the attack, and her impact was almost immediate. In the 85th minute, just nine minutes after her arrival on the pitch, Danso found the back of the net to level the scores. Her late strike silenced the home crowd and provided the Black Maidens with a vital goal that changes the complexion of the tie.

With the first leg ending in a stalemate, the focus now shifts to the return fixture scheduled to take place in Accra next week. The Black Maidens will enjoy home-field advantage as they look to secure an outright victory and seal their qualification for the 2026 U-17 Women's World Cup. A win in front of their home supporters will be enough to guarantee their spot, and the team will be banking on the momentum from this late equalizer to overcome their Senegalese counterparts in the final showdown.