Ghana's Black Maidens used a trio of game-changing substitutes to beat Canada 2-0 and book a Round of 16 spot in Morocco.
Ghana's Black Maidens are into the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, and they got there the hard way. A 2-0 win over Canada in their final Group B game in Morocco lifted Joe Nana Adarkwa's side above their opponents and into the Round of 16, another strong showing for West African youth women's football on the global stage.
The first half was tight and goalless, with Ghana's best moment coming through Jessica Appiah. She powered through the Canadian defence and let fly with a fierce effort, but goalkeeper Megan Lemieux reacted sharply to tip it onto the post.
Adarkwa then changed the game with a double substitution. A looping ball from Hajara Adam dropped into the Canada box and hit the woodwork, and Priscilla Mensah was first to the rebound. She quickly found fellow substitute Linda Achiaa, who steered the ball home with her first touch. Achiaa had been on the pitch for just 35 seconds.
Canada never found a response, and Ghana sealed it in stoppage time. Another substitute, Christiana Ashiaku, struck from distance to make it 2-0. Canada now have to wait to see whether they finish among the four best third-placed teams and sneak through. Ghana, meanwhile, can look ahead to the last 16 with their bench proving decisive.
