Jessica Appiah scored Ghana’s opening goal in the 16th minute before Mercedes Diz equalised late for Argentina. Despite being reduced to 10 players in the closing stages, the Black Maidens held their nerve to win the shoot-out and continue their campaign in Morocco.
The victory marks Ghana’s return to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2018, following an eight-year absence from the tournament.
Jessica Appiah Gives Ghana Early Lead
Ghana made a positive start and took the lead in the 16th minute through Appiah, who finished confidently after Cynthia Obinsrewuo created the opportunity with a well-timed pass across the attack.
The early goal gave the Black Maidens confidence as they looked to build on their successful group-stage campaign.
Argentina, however, remained dangerous going forward. Mercedes Diz threatened the Ghana defence, while the South Americans created opportunities to equalise before the break.
Ghana also came close to extending their advantage when Obinsrewuo found the net in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Despite their inability to score a second goal, the Black Maidens continued to compete and looked set to progress in normal time.
Hajara Adam Sent Off as Argentina Fight Back
Ghana suffered a major setback in the 77th minute when Hajara Adam received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the team to defend with 10 players.
Argentina immediately increased the pressure and took advantage of their numerical superiority.
Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Diz headed home from a looping free-kick to bring the score level at 1–1.
The late equaliser threatened to derail Ghana’s hopes of reaching the last eight, but the Black Maidens remained organised during the closing minutes and held on to take the match into a penalty shoot-out.
Ghana Keep Their Nerve in Penalty Shoot-Out
With neither side able to find a winner during normal time, the contest was decided from the penalty spot.
Ghana converted all five of their attempts, demonstrating composure under pressure. Appiah stepped up to take the decisive kick and scored to secure a 5–4 shoot-out victory.
Argentina missed one of their penalties, allowing the Black Maidens to celebrate a hard-earned qualification for the quarter-finals.
Goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie also made important saves during the match, helping Ghana remain in contention after Argentina increased their attacking pressure.
Coach Adarkwa Praises Players’ Discipline
Ghana head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa expressed pride in his players after they overcame the dismissal and Argentina’s late equaliser.
The coach acknowledged that playing with 10 players required tactical discipline, organisation and commitment from the entire team.
Adarkwa also looked ahead to the quarter-finals, making clear that Ghana would approach their next opponent with the ambition of reaching the semi-finals.
The victory will provide the squad with confidence as they prepare for another demanding knockout encounter.
Black Maidens Await Quarter-Final Opponents
Ghana will face the winner of the Round of 16 match between Japan and Kenya in the quarter-finals.
The Black Maidens entered the knockout stage after finishing their group campaign with four points. They opened with a 3–0 defeat against Norway, drew 3–3 with Brazil and secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Canada to progress.
Their win over Argentina now gives them an opportunity to go beyond the quarter-final stage they reached in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
After surviving a red card, a late equaliser and the pressure of a penalty shoot-out, Ghana will head into the last eight encouraged by their resilience and determination.