Jessica Appiah scored, converted the winning penalty and took MVP honours as 10-woman Ghana edged Argentina 5-4 on spot-kicks.
Ghana's Jessica Appiah is the name on everyone's lips after the Black Maidens survived a Round of 16 thriller against Argentina at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. The attacker was named Most Valuable Player for her decisive display, and it is her second MVP award of the tournament.
Starting on the right flank of Ghana's attack, Appiah made an instant impact on Wednesday afternoon. She broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, finishing off a move set up by Cynthia Obinsrewuo to hand the Black Maidens an early lead and settle their nerves in a tense knockout tie.
The contest turned in the 77th minute when Hajara Adam was shown a second yellow card, leaving Ghana a player short. Argentina sensed their chance and pushed forward, and Mercedes Diz levelled in the 86th minute to drag the game into a penalty shootout.
Even with only ten players on the pitch, Ghana kept their composure from the spot. Appiah stepped up to take the final kick, buried it, and sealed a 5-4 shootout victory that sends the Black Maidens into the quarter-finals.
With a goal, the winning penalty and another MVP trophy, Appiah has shown she can deliver on the biggest stage. Ghana will now look to ride that momentum as they chase a deeper run in the competition.
