Black Maidens head coach Nana Joe Adarkwa has named his final 21-player squad for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, highlighted by the return of forward Jessica Appiah Asamoah from injury and the inclusion of three players promoted from the U-15 setup.
The official announcement from the Ghana Football Association confirms the selection, which blends returning experience, recovered talent, and youthful energy as the team intensifies preparations for the tournament (scheduled from 17 October to 7 November 2026).
The squad consists of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and five forwards—all drawn from Ghanaian clubs.
Goalkeepers
Belinda Maku Aklie, Rahima A. Napari, and Josephine Nyanufule.
Defenders
Matilda A. B. Amoah, Hajara Adam, Latifa Musah, Mavis Koah, Rafia Osman, Juliana Gyekyewaa, and Seraphina E. Esse.
Midfielders
Belinda Kpentey, Christiana Ashiaku, Benedicta D. Nkietah, Seidatu Wahab, Zeinab Shani, and Sekinatu Amadu.
Forwards
Priscilla Mensah, Linda Achiaa, Jessica A. Asamoah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo, and Gloria A. Adomako.
Tournament Context and Group Stage
Ghana is drawn in a challenging Group C alongside Brazil, Canada, and Norway.
Path to Qualification
Ghana secured their place by overcoming Senegal 7-6 on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate draw in the final round of African qualifiers. This marks a return to the competition after missing recent editions following a FIFA suspension related to age-falsification issues in the women’s youth system.
Historically, the Black Maidens have a strong record at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, including a bronze medal in 2012 and three quarter-final appearances. The current campaign represents another opportunity to build on that pedigree against top global youth sides.