Ghana reach U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-finals after dramatic shootout win over Argentina
Ghana reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after beating Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, but fellow African representatives Morocco were eliminated following a heavy defeat by DPR Korea.
The Black Maidens held their nerve in the shootout after conceding a late equaliser against Argentina while playing with 10 players, securing their place among the tournament's final eight.
Jessica Appiah gave Ghana the lead in the 16th minute before Mercedes Diz equalised for Argentina four minutes from time, forcing the contest into extra time and eventually penalties.
All five Ghanaian players converted their spot-kicks, while Argentina's Oriana Gomez missed the decisive attempt to send the West Africans through.
Ghana will face the winners of the last-16 encounter between Kenya and Japan in the quarter-finals.
Appiah had put the Black Maidens ahead with a powerful finish from Cynthia Obinsrewuo's cross, rewarding Ghana's promising start.
Argentina responded strongly and came close to equalising when Diz struck the crossbar after finding herself one-on-one with the Ghanaian goalkeeper.
Ghana thought they had doubled their advantage when Obinsrewuo lobbed goalkeeper Bianca Virga, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 77th minute when Ghana's Hajara Adam received a second yellow card, leaving her side to defend their narrow lead with 10 players.
Argentina eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage when Diz headed home from a free-kick in the 86th minute.
Neither side managed to find a winner during extra time, setting up a tense penalty shootout in which Ghana displayed greater composure.
Appiah was again among the scorers as the Black Maidens converted every attempt to extend their World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Morocco's hopes of progressing were ended emphatically by defending champions DPR Korea, who recorded a 6-0 victory to advance to the quarter-finals.
Yu Jong-hyang and Kim Won-sim both scored twice as the Asian champions overwhelmed the North Africans with a dominant attacking display.
Yu opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a header from Eh Chong-gum's corner before adding her second shortly before half-time.
Kim also struck twice in the opening period, capitalising on a defensive mistake for her first goal before scoring again in the 41st minute.
DPR Korea maintained their dominance after the interval, with Ri Ui-gyong adding a fifth goal in the 54th minute and Ri Kyong-im completing the scoring eight minutes later.
Yu's double took her tally to 15 goals across the past two editions of the competition, underlining her importance to the defending champions.
DPR Korea will face either Spain or the United States in the quarter-finals.
For African football, the contrasting results mean Ghana continue their pursuit of World Cup success while Morocco's campaign comes to an end.
