Ghana’s U-17 women’s national team produced a spirited second-half comeback to earn a valuable 1-1 draw against Senegal in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Dakar, setting up a decisive return fixture in Accra.
The hosts made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when they converted a penalty to take a 1-0 lead, putting the Black Maidens under early pressure.
Seeking a response after the break, Ghana head coach made two immediate substitutions, introducing Rafia and Linda in place of Cynthia and Maybel as the second half got underway. The changes injected fresh energy into the side, with the Black Maidens looking increasingly dangerous on the counterattack as they searched for an equaliser.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute. Benedicta capped off a swift counterattacking move with a clinical finish, calmly finding the back of the net to level the score at 1-1 and hand Ghana a crucial away goal.
Ghana remained composed in the closing stages, defending resolutely to secure the draw after recovering from an early setback. The disciplined performance leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Accra, where the Black Maidens will look to capitalize on home advantage and book their place in the next round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
