U-17 Women's World Cup: Ghana face unbeaten Argentina in last 16 today

Ghana’s Black Maidens will face a stern test against Argentina in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Wednesday, October 28.

The match is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Ghana advanced to the knockout stage after recovering from a difficult start to the tournament to finish their group campaign with four points.

Joe Nana Adarkwa’s side opened their campaign with a 3-0 defeat by Norway before staging an impressive fightback to draw 3-3 with Brazil.

They then secured qualification with a 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group C match, thanks to second-half goals from substitutes Linda Achiaa and Christiana Ashiaku.

Achiaa struck in the 65th minute, just 35 seconds after coming off the bench, before Ashiaku added a second in stoppage time to seal the win.

Argentina, meanwhile, enter the last 16 after an unbeaten group-stage campaign and are expected to provide a formidable challenge for the Ghanaian side.

The South Americans will pose a threat with their technical ability and physical approach, forcing the Black Maidens to maintain their discipline and defensive organisation.

Adarkwa is expected to retain much of the team that defeated Canada, with midfielder Seidatu Wahab, who was named Player of the Match against the North American side, and Jessica Appiah likely to play key roles.

Ghana will also look to goalkeeper Belinda Aku Aklie and defenders Rafia Osman, Hajara Adam, Latifa Musah and Seraphina Esse Essenam to keep Argentina’s attack at bay.

The impact of Ghana’s substitutes could again prove decisive, with Achiaa and Ashiaku offering attacking options from the bench.

Adarkwa acknowledged the challenge ahead after the victory over Canada, stressing that his team must be ready for increasingly difficult opposition as the tournament progresses.

“We know we are heading to difficult times. We are going to face tougher opposition, and we are going to work towards that,” he said.

“We came here purposely for a win, and it happened. Now we must do it again.”

Victory over Argentina would send Ghana into the quarter-finals and move them a step closer to their ambition of making a deep run at the tournament.