By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced the resurgence of the national U-17 women’s team, the Black Maidens, as they begin their quest for global glory.
Head Coach of the Maidens, Joe Nana Adarkwa, has handed invitations to 30 talented young players to report to the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
This call-up marks a significant comeback for Ghanaian women’s football at the grassroots level, as the Black Maidens return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifying circuit after serving a ban.
It would be recalled that in July 2022, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Ghana from competing in the next two editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers due to age fraud.
The team is set to undergo intensive training at the newly upgraded national technical centre to sharpen their tactical and physical readiness for the upcoming double-header against Togo.
The journey to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 begins with a high-stakes qualifying round, with the first leg set for April 10–12, 2026 in Lomé, Togo, and the second leg a week later between April 17–19, 2026 in Accra.
The winner after the two legs will advance to the final stages of the continental qualifiers. Ghana, historically a powerhouse in this category, aims to reclaim its status as one of Africa’s top representatives on the world stage.
The significance of the 2026 edition
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup represents a new era for the tournament. Hosted by Morocco, this edition marks the first time the competition will be held annually, following FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament to 24 teams to accelerate the development of the women’s game worldwide.
For the Black Maidens, qualifying for this edition offers a chance to compete in a prestigious 24-team format, providing unprecedented exposure for Ghana’s rising stars.
Preliminary squad demonstrates nationwide talent search
The selected squad reflects a diverse mix of talent from the Ghana Women’s Premier League and various regional Division One academies, as the FA President, Kurt Okraku, has been particularly interested in grassroots talent development.
The invited players include: Goalkeepers & Defenders: Juliana Gyekyewaa (Somanya Rootz Sistaz), Priscilla Mensah (Sissamba Ladies), Rafia Osman (Tamale Super Ladies), Gifty Senior Agyeiwaa (Gyagba Ladies), Cynthia Obinserwuo (Police Ladies), Charter Wayikpen (Gyagba Ladies), Latifa Musah (Sissamba Ladies), and Janet Amewudor (Epiphany Warriors).
Midfielders & forwards:
Seidatu Wahab (Heart of Oak Ladies), Dora Ackoh (Epiphany Next Generation), Gloria Adomako Ameaa (Ampem Darkoa Ladies), Daniela Abass (Valued Girls), Belinda Maku Aklie (Cablix Ladies), Sarafina Essenam (Heart of Oak Ladies), Christiana Kwao (Northern Ladies), Benedicta Nketiah Danso (KAC Ladies), Anthonia Kutsoati (New England Surf), and Mavis Yeboah (Teshie Constance Ladies).
The others are: Zeinab Shani (FC Savannah), Sekinatu Amadu (Jonina Academy), Abubakari Rahima Napari (Northern City Ladies), Jessica Appiah Asamoah (Epiphany Warriors), Linda Achiaa (Army Ladies), Josephine Nyanfule (Fosu Royals), Hajara Adam (Kumbungu Soccer Ladies), Mavis Koah (Somanya Rootz Sistaz), Christiana Ashiaku (Somanya Rootz Sistaz), Belinda Kpentey (Somanya Rootz Sistaz), Margaret Akosua Tawiah (KAC Ladies) and Rahama A. Mohammed (Tamale Super Ladies).
Technical Focus
Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa and his technical team will focus on integrating the overseas-based talent, such as Anthonia Kutsoati, with the local core to build a cohesive unit.
The training camp will utilise the state-of-the-art facilities at Prampram, including the new floodlights and turf pitches recently highlighted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as benchmarks for African football development.
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