Ghana's Black Maidens bow out to Japan in the U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-final
A single second-half goal ended a campaign that included a penalty shoot-out win over Argentina.
Rabat — Ghana's Black Maidens are out of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco after a 1-0 defeat to Japan in Sunday's quarter-final.
Nanami Kurita scored the only goal in the 54th minute, nine minutes after the restart.
Ghana started brightly, kept the ball well and matched Japan in midfield for long spells, but struggled to create clear chances in the final third. After Kurita's goal, Coach Joe Nana Adarkwah's side pushed forward in search of an equaliser and could not find a way past a disciplined Japanese defence.
The Black Maidens reached the last eight with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Argentina in the round of 16. They head home with their reputation enhanced after another strong showing on the world stage.
Japan, two-time champions, move into the semi-finals in search of a third title.
Source: Ghana Business News / GNA, 2 November 2026.
