Coach Nana Joe Adarkwa locks in his final 21 for Morocco 2026, blending returning talent with three bright young call-ups from the U15s.
Ghana's next wave of female football talent now has its World Cup roster. Black Maidens head coach Nana Joe Adarkwa has named his final 21-player squad for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco 2026, putting an African stage and a young African core at the center of the build-up.
The headline return is forward Jessica Appiah Asamoah, who is back in the fold after recovering from injury. Adarkwa has also looked to the future, promoting three players from the U15 setup: Christiana Ashiaku, Mavis Koah and Belinda Kpentey all step up to the U17 side.
Between the posts, Belinda Maku Aklie, Rahima A. Napari and Josephine Nyanufule are the three goalkeepers. The defensive unit features Matilda A. B. Amoah, Hajara Adam, Latifa Musah, Mavis Koah, Rafia Osman, Juliana Gyekyewaa and Seraphina E. Esse. In midfield, Adarkwa can call on Kpentey, Ashiaku, Benedicta D. Nkietah, Seidatu Wahab, Zeinab Shani and Sekinatu Amadu.
Up front, the options are Priscilla Mensah, Linda Achiaa, Asamoah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo and Gloria A. Adomako. It is a group that mixes experience, returning quality and youthful energy.
With the list confirmed, the Black Maidens now shift into higher gear in their preparations. For Ghana, and for African women's football, this tournament is another chance to showcase the continent's emerging stars on a global platform.
