Ghana’s U-17 Women Suffer 3-0 Loss to Norway at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Ghana’s Black Maidens suffered a challenging setback at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following a 3-0 loss to a clinical Norway side.

Norway set the tone of the match early by taking control through an extraordinary long-range strike from Isabella Lepore.

Positioned roughly 30 yards out, Lepore unleashed a powerful shot that crashed off the crossbar before crossing the goal line, leaving Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie with little chance of making a save.

The early breakthrough forced Ghana onto the defensive as the Norwegian side pressed forward with confidence.

Norway soon doubled their advantage through a fine piece of individual quality from Maia Melgard.

The play built up near the edge of the penalty area where Hanne Nesse gathered the ball and laid it off to Melgard, who skillfully shifted the ball onto her left foot before curling a fine strike into the Ghanaian net.

Facing a two-goal deficit at the interval, Ghana returned from the halftime break with noticeably greater urgency and attacking intent.

The Black Maidens created a golden opportunity to alter the momentum of the game when substitute Cynthia Obinsrewuo was played clean through on goal.

However, Norwegian goalkeeper Erla Braathen reacted promptly, spreading her body wide to block Obinsrewuo’s shot and preserve Norway's two-goal cushion.

That pivotal save proved decisive as Ghana struggled to convert their improved second-half play into goals.

Norway capped off their maiden win of the tournament when Melgard secured her brace with another powerful effort.

Also Read: Black Sharks qualify for 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON after beating Nigeria 7-4

Working a neat one-two combination off a corner kick, Melgard cut inside the penalty box and struck a hard drive that left Aklie rooted to her line, sealing a 3-0 victory for Norway.

While a 3-0 result is a tough pill to swallow for the Black Maidens, the second-half response demonstrated the resilience and attacking potential within this young squad.