Ghana’s Black Maidens are through to the quarterfinals of the U-17 Women’s World Cup after beating Argentina 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Jessica Appiah Asamoah gave Ghana the lead in the 16th minute. Cynthia Obinsrewuo had a goal ruled out for offside in the 50th minute.
The game turned when Ghana went down to 10 players – Hajara Adam was sent off in the 77th minute after a second yellow card. Argentina equalized in the 86th minute through Diz.
Despite playing with 10, Ghana held on thanks to goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie who made several big saves.
In the shootout, Ghana were perfect. Essenam, Christiana Ashiaku, Halima Osman, Juliana Gyekyewaa and Jessica Appiah Asamoah all scored to seal a 5-4 win, with Appiah Asamoah netting the winner.
Ghana will now face the winner of Japan vs Kenya in the quarterfinals.
By: Emmanuel Opoku – Journalist