Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team, the Black Maidens, kick off their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification campaign on Sunday with a crucial first-leg encounter against Togo in Lomé.
The Black Maidens boast an impressive history in the competition, having featured in six of the seven tournaments held between 2008 and 2022.
Their standout achievement remains a third-place finish in 2012, alongside consistent quarterfinal appearances in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has named a 22-player squad for the two-legged tie and is confident of progression.
Speaking ahead of the game, he expressed strong belief in his team’s chances, stating that the Maidens are approaching the fixture “like wounded lions,” determined to secure victory and qualification.
The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, with kickoff set for 4:00 pm. The return leg will be played on Saturday, April 18, at 3:30 pm at the Accra Sports Stadium. This fixture marks the opening round of a three-stage qualification process for the tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco.
The team arrived in Togo on Friday and received a warm reception en route to the border in Aflao from MISUGHA Volta Ketu South branch, led by H.E. Bright Solomon Kumordzie, Deputy High Commissioner of Ghana to the Republic of Togo.
In a further show of support, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Togolese Republic, George Kofi Nfojoh, visited the team after their final training session on Saturday, where he encouraged the players ahead of the decisive clash.
With strong backing and high expectations, the Black Maidens will be aiming to make a powerful start to their qualification journey.
