Black Maidens lose 3-0 to Norway in U-17 Women’s World Cup opener

Ghana’s Black Maidens began their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat by Norway in their opening Group C match in Rabat, Morocco.

Norway made a strong start at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes to put Ghana on the back foot.

Isabella Lepore opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Maia Melgård doubled Norway’s lead seven minutes later.

Despite the early setbacks, Ghana continued to push forward in search of a response but struggled to convert their opportunities into goals.

Jessica Appiah Asamoah was among Ghana’s liveliest performers, operating on the flanks and working to create openings against the Norwegian defence.

She played the full 90 minutes as the Black Maidens attempted to get back into the contest, but Norway remained in control.

Melgård scored her second goal of the match in the 80th minute to complete her brace and seal a comfortable victory for the European side.

The defeat leaves Ghana needing a positive result in their next Group C fixture against Brazil on Wednesday, 21 October.

Brazil opened their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Canada to move to the top of the group, while Norway sit second after their win against Ghana.

The Black Maidens are third, with Canada bottom of the standings following the opening round of matches.

Ghana will face Canada in their final group-stage fixture on 24 October as they seek to revive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.