Ghana U-17 Women’s coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has described the Black Maidens as the “Brazilians of Africa” after his side fought back twice to draw 3-3 with Brazil at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The result earned Ghana their first point in Group C following a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening match, although they remain bottom of the four-team group after two games.
Brazil opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Nicolly, but Rafia Osman equalised for Ghana in the 31st minute.
Gloria Ameaa then put the Black Maidens ahead in the 35th minute before Kaillany Rafinah levelled for Brazil in the 44th minute, leaving the teams tied 2-2 at half-time.
Brazil regained the lead in the 57th minute through Indy, but Ghana refused to give up.
In the 85th minute, Priscilla Mensah converted a defence-splitting pass from Jessica Appiah Asamoah to secure a 3-3 draw.
“We all know how Brazilians play, but we are the Brazilians of Africa,” Adarkwa told FIFA after the match.
“We are like them, but Brazil are up there. We are getting stronger and we will get there. I’m happy that our girls responded to our two training sessions.
We did some scoring in training, and they applied that.”
Adarkwa said he was proud of his players despite the difficulty of their group and the chances they missed after drawing level.
“We are in one of the toughest groups, but I’m proud of my girls.
After equalising, we had so many chances, but they are young, they are learning, so we have a lot to do with the girls.
But I’m happy for them,” he said.
Jessica Appiah named Player of the Match
Ghana midfielder Jessica Appiah Asamoah was named Player of the Match after an influential performance.
She created four chances, won seven duels and completed three successful dribbles.
Her decisive contribution came in the 85th minute when she beat two Brazilian players before threading a pass through the defence for Mensah to score Ghana’s third goal.
After two matches, Group C is led by Brazil on four points, followed by Canada and Norway on three points each, with Canada ranked second and Norway third. Ghana are fourth with one point.
Canada moved to three points after defeating Norway 3-2, setting up a decisive final group match against Ghana on Saturday, October 24.
The Black Maidens will need a win to strengthen their chances of progressing to the next round.
Brazil, meanwhile, will face Norway in the other Group C fixture.
