Black Maidens captain Seidatu Wahab has revealed that Ghana’s triumph over Senegal in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier was no coincidence, crediting the team’s extensive preparation for the dramatic penalty shootout that secured qualification.
Speaking after Ghana’s 7-6 shootout victory at the Accra Sports Stadium, the skipper expressed her pride at leading the Black Maidens back to the global stage.
“We practiced penalty shootout a lot and I wanted to be the first captain to lead the Maidens back to the World Cup,” Seidatu said after the match.
The Oaks FC midfielder played a decisive role throughout the contest. After Senegal had taken an early lead, Seidatu brought Ghana level just before halftime with a composed finish from a well-worked team move, igniting the home crowd and keeping the Black Maidens’ World Cup dream alive.
With the match ending 1-1 after regulation time, the tie was settled from the penalty spot. Demonstrating the leadership she had spoken about, Seidatu stepped up to take Ghana’s opening kick, calmly converting to set the tone for the hosts.
She was followed by fellow Oaks FC player Esinam Sarafina, who also converted her penalty after producing an outstanding defensive display throughout the match. Esinam was one of Ghana’s standout performers at the back, helping to keep Senegal at bay during a tense second half.
The Black Maidens eventually prevailed 7-6 in the shootout, sealing their return to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and capping off a memorable evening for the young Ghanaian side.
For Seidatu and her teammates, the victory was the reward for months of preparation, resilience and belief, with the captain’s leadership proving instrumental in guiding Ghana back to the biggest stage in youth women’s football.
