Ghana’s Black Maidens staged a spirited comeback to secure a 3–3 draw against Brazil in their second Group C match at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Wednesday, October 21.

The six-goal thriller saw Ghana come from behind to take the lead before Brazil responded. Substitute Priscilla Mensah scored a late equaliser to earn Ghana a valuable point and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

Brazil Strike First

Brazil made a fast start, opening the scoring in the seventh minute through Nicolly Manuel, who headed home a cross from Indy to give the South Americans an early advantage.

Ghana responded positively and gradually grew into the match. Their persistence paid off in the 31st minute when defender Rafia Osman found the net following a scramble inside Brazil’s penalty area to make it 1–1.

Four minutes later, the Black Maidens took the lead. Gloria Ameaa produced a superb long-range strike in the 35th minute, putting Ghana 2–1 ahead and raising hopes of a memorable victory.

However, Brazil restored parity just before half-time when Kaillany Ranifah scored in the 44th minute, sending both teams into the break level at 2–2.

Brazil Regain the Lead

The contest remained fiercely competitive after the interval, with both teams searching for the decisive goal.

Brazil regained the advantage in the 57th minute through Indy, who finished from inside the penalty area to make it 3–2.

With time running out, Ghana faced the prospect of another defeat after their opening 3–0 loss to Norway. However, the Black Maidens continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.

Priscilla Mensah Rescues a Point

Ghana’s determination was rewarded in the 85th minute when substitute Priscilla Mensah scored to level the match at 3–3.

Jessica Appiah Asamoah provided the decisive assist, delivering a well-placed ball that Mensah converted to rescue a valuable point for Ghana.

Appiah’s influential performance earned her the Player of the Match award, recognising her creativity and contribution to Ghana’s attacking play.

Ghana Face a Crucial Final Group Match

The draw gives Ghana their first point of the tournament following their opening defeat to Norway. However, the Black Maidens face a difficult challenge in their final Group C fixture against Canada on Saturday, October 24.

Ghana will need to improve their results and hope other group outcomes go their way to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Brazil, meanwhile, will look to build on their attacking performance as they prepare for their final group match against Norway.

The result demonstrated Ghana’s fighting spirit and attacking potential, with the Black Maidens showing they can compete against one of the leading sides in women’s youth football.

Full-time result: Ghana U-17 3–3 Brazil U-17

Competition: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026

Group: C

Ghana’s goal scorers:

• Rafia Osman (31′)
• Gloria Ameaa (35′)
• Priscilla Mensah (85′)

Brazil’s goal scorers:

• Nicolly Manuel (7′)
• Kaillany Ranifah (44′)
• Indy (57′)

Player of the Match: Jessica Appiah Asamoah (Ghana).

Sources: FIFA, Ghana Football Association and Graphic Online.