Ghana's Black Maidens bowed out of the U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, losing 1-0 to Japan and ending Africa's run in the quarter-finals.
Africa's hopes at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco are over. Ghana's Black Maidens were beaten 1-0 by Japan in the quarter-finals at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 1, and the continent no longer has a team in the tournament.
Joe Nana Adarkwa's side made life hard for Japan in the first half. The Black Maidens stayed compact and disciplined, and they stuck to the defensive plan their coach had promised before kickoff. Japan, who were tipped to be a major attacking threat, struggled to find space and were held at bay until the break.
Ghana had to cope with two big absences. Captain Seidatu Wahab was out injured, so Osman Rafia took the armband. Hajara Adam was suspended after her red card against Argentina. Mavis Koah and Kpentey Belinda came into the starting XI to fill the gaps.
Japan finally broke through in the 54th minute. Yuka Kishida's effort took a ricochet and dropped to Nanami Kurita near the Ghana goal, and she reacted quickly to finish. It was the only goal of the match.
The Black Maidens did not fold. They pushed for an equaliser with the same determination that had carried them past Argentina in the previous round. This time they could not find a way back, and their World Cup run ended in Morocco. The young Ghanaians leave with credit for a brave, organised performance on the world stage.
