Ghana’s Black Maidens battled to a 1-1 draw against Senegal in Dakar in the first leg of the final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Senegal went ahead in the 21st minute when Mariama Faty scored a penalty after a strong start by the home team.
Senegal, aiming for their first-ever FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup spot, controlled the early part of the game and kept Ghana under pressure before scoring.
As the first half went on, the Black Maidens found their rhythm and created several good chances before halftime.
After the break, coach Joe Nana Adarkwah made important changes, bringing on Rafia Osman and Linda Achiaa for Cynthia Obinsrewu and Mabel Doe Martey.
These substitutions changed the game for Ghana, as the Black Maidens took control and looked dangerous on the counterattack.
With 15 minutes left, Coach Adarkwah brought on Benedicta Danso for Zeinab Shani. Danso quickly made her mark by scoring the equalizer just four minutes from the end.
The second leg will take place in Ghana on July 11. The team with the higher aggregate score will qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
