U-20 Women’s WCQ: Ghana Faces Stern Test in Second Leg After Draw Against South Africa

Accra: Ghana's Black Princesses were held to a 2-2 draw by South Africa in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. This leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return fixture in Johannesburg on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with the winner advancing to the final round of African qualifying. According to Ghana News Agency, Ghana entered the contest without injured top scorer Mercy Attobrah, but managed to take the lead in the 33rd minute with Agnes Yeboah's goal after a bright opening spell. The Black Princesses nearly doubled their advantage before the interval, as Diana Amoako's long-range effort struck the post. South Africa, who advanced to this stage with a 9-0 aggregate win over Eswatini, levelled three minutes after the restart when the Ghana defense failed to clear a low cross. Ghana restored their lead four minutes later, with Linda Owusu Ansah rising highest to nod in a corner. However, another defensive lapse in the 60th minute allowed the visitors to equalise from close range. The Black Princesses pressed late for a winner and thought they had snatched it when Jessica Appiah scored in the 90th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Ghana, who defeated Tunisia 4-0 on aggregate in the previous round, now faces a difficult second leg away from home but could deliver a stunner considering the team's quality.