Dakar: The Black Maidens of Ghana have been held to a 1-1 draw by Senegal in the first leg of the final round of the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers in Dakar.
According to Ghana Web, the hosts took an early lead when Mariama Faty scored in the 21st minute. Ghana equalized in the second half through Benedicta Danso. Senegal, aiming for their first qualification to the U17 Women's World Cup, started strong and kept Ghana under pressure with continuous attacks. This pressure resulted in a penalty in the 20th minute, which Faty converted successfully.
The Black Maidens gradually gained momentum as Senegal's intensity waned, creating opportunities before halftime. In the second half, Coach Joe Nana Adarkwah made strategic substitutions, introducing Rafia Osman and Linda Achiaa for Cynthia Obinsrewu and Mabel Doe Martey, respectively. These changes reinvigorated Ghana's gameplay, allowing them to dominate and threaten on the counterattack.
With 15 minutes left in the game, Danso replaced Zeinab Shani and managed to score the equalizer just four minutes before the final whistle. The second leg of the qualifier will take place in Ghana on July 11, where the aggregate winner will secure a spot in the World Cup.