Black Princesses edge South Africa to reach final round of U-20 World Cup qualifiers

Ghana’s Black Princesses have booked their place in the next round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, sustaining their dream of returning to the global tournament.

The young Ghanaians secured progression with a hard-fought 1–0 win over South Africa in the second leg at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, Ghana raised their intensity in the second period and found the breakthrough when it mattered most.

Midfielder Priscilla Mensah emerged as the hero, calmly finishing in the 63rd minute to hand the Black Princesses a vital away victory. The result ensured Ghana advanced on aggregate following an entertaining 2–2 draw in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Head coach Charles Simpson named a determined and balanced starting eleven, seeking a stronger response after the earlier stalemate in Accra. His players responded with discipline and resilience, controlling key phases of the contest and holding firm under late pressure from the hosts.

Attention now turns to the next qualifying hurdle, where Ghana could face either Zambia or Uganda as they push closer to another World Cup berth.

The Black Princesses are chasing a record-extending eighth straight appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Poland in September 2026.

With confidence high and momentum building, Ghana’s young talents remain firmly focused on keeping their impressive qualification streak alive.