Black Maidens: Joe Nana Adarkwa names final 21-player squad for U-17 Women’s World Cup

Ghana’s Black Maidens have named their final 21-player squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, as the team prepares to return to the global stage after missing the previous two editions following a ban from CAF competitions.

Head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has settled on his squad for the tournament, which runs from October 17 to November 7, with Ghana drawn in Group C alongside Norway, Brazil and Canada.

The squad comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and five forwards, with all 21 players drawn from clubs in Ghana.

Goalkeepers Belinda Maku Aklie, Josephine Nyafule and Rahima Abubakari Napari have been selected, while Rafia Osman, Hajara Adam, Latifa Musah, Sarafina Essenam Esse, Juliana Gyekyewaa and Matilda Abu Bonsra Amoah make up the defensive options.

In midfield, Adarkwa has named Belinda Kpentey, Christiana Ashiaku, Benedicta Danso Nketiah, Seidatu Wahab, Zeinab Shani, and Sekinatu Amadu

The attacking options are Jessica Appiah Asamoah, Gloria Adomako, Priscilla Mensah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo, and Linda Achiaa.

Ghana secured qualification for the tournament after edging Senegal 7-6 on penalties in Accra, following a 2-2 aggregate draw in the final round of African qualifiers.

The victory secured the Black Maidens’ return to the competition and another opportunity to showcase Ghanaian women’s football on the world stage.

The Black Maidens will begin their Group C campaign against Norway on Sunday, October 18, before facing Brazil on Thursday , October 22. They will conclude the group stage against Canada on Saturday, October 24.

All three matches will be played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. The top two teams in each group, alongside the four best third-placed teams across the six groups, will advance to the knockout stage.