Ghana’s Under-17 women’s national team, the Black Maidens, opened their training camp at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Tuesday as they launch preparations for the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.
Head Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has assembled a 30-player preliminary squad to begin the build-up, with the team’s return to qualifying football carrying added significance after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) served a two-edition ban imposed by CAF in July 2022 following age fraud violations.
Ghana face Togo in the first-round qualifier, with the first leg set for April 10 to 12, 2026, in Lomé, and the return leg scheduled in Accra from April 17 to 19. Victory over Togo would advance Ghana into the second round, where they would face either Libya or Liberia.
A total of 31 African nations will compete in the qualifiers, structured across three knockout rounds played on a home-and-away basis, with four teams ultimately earning spots at the World Cup finals in Morocco.
The preliminary squad draws from clubs across the Ghana Women’s Premier League and regional academies, with goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie of Cablix Ladies among players who have already impressed during pre-camp friendly sessions. Overseas-based player Anthonia Kutsoati of New England Surf is also included as the technical team looks to blend local and foreign-based talent.
The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be staged in Morocco from October to November 2026.
