Ghana beat Argentina on penalties to reach U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-finals

Ghana's Black Maidens have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after beating Argentina 5-4 on penalties in the round of 16 in Morocco.

The two sides drew 1-1 after regulation time at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Wednesday, before Ghana converted all five of their penalties to seal progression.

Jessica Appiah gave Ghana an early lead in the first half, putting the Black Maidens in control as they went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Argentina, however, stepped up their search for an equaliser after the interval, with Mercedes Diz coming close when she struck the crossbar after finding herself through on goal.

Cynthia Obinsrewuo thought she had doubled Ghana's lead after chasing a long ball and lifting it over goalkeeper Bianca Virga, but her effort was ruled out for offside.

Ghana's task became more difficult when Hajara Adam was sent off after receiving a second yellow card with 13 minutes remaining.

The Black Maidens initially held firm despite being reduced to 10 players, but Argentina eventually found an equaliser through Diz, who met a looping free-kick with a powerful header that dropped over goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie.

With neither side able to find a winner, the contest was decided by a penalty shootout.

Argentina's Oriana Gomez missed her spot-kick, while Ghana kept their composure to convert all five attempts and win 5-4.

Appiah, Juliana Gyekyewaa, Rafia Osman, Christiana Ashiaku and Saraphina Essenam all scored from the spot to send Ghana into the last eight.

The Black Maidens will face either Japan or Kenya in the quarter-finals as they continue their campaign at the tournament in Morocco.