Black Maidens hold Brazil in six-goal thriller to keep World Cup hopes alive

Ghana’s Black Maidens came from behind twice to earn a 3-3 draw against Brazil in their second Group C match at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

The result also extends Ghana’s unbeaten record against Brazil in their two meetings at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, having won their previous encounter 1-0 in 2010.

Brazil opened the scoring on Wednesday, October 21, but Ghana responded through Rafia in the 31st minute before Gloria Ameaa put the Black Maidens ahead four minutes later.

However, Brazil restored parity in the 44th minute to ensure the teams went into the break level at 2-2.

Brazil regained the lead in the 57th minute, leaving Ghana chasing the game once more. Cynthia thought she had equalised in the 76th minute, but her effort was ruled out.

The Maidens refused to give up, and Priscilla Mensah eventually found the equaliser in the 85th minute to secure a valuable point for Ghana.

The draw follows Ghana’s 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening match, meaning the Maidens have one point from their first two games.

In the group’s other fixture, Canada defeated Norway 3-2, leaving the group finely poised ahead of the final round of matches.

Ghana now sit bottom of Group C and face Canada in their final group game, knowing they need a strong result to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

Despite their difficult start, the comeback against Brazil offers the Maidens renewed belief as they prepare for what could be a decisive encounter against the Canadians.