Ghana’s Black Princesses were held to a 2-2 draw by South Africa in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
This leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return fixture in Johannesburg on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with the winner advancing to the final round of African qualifying.
Ghana, who entered the contest without injured top scorer, Mercy Attobrah, took the lead in the 33rd minute through Agnes Yeboah after a bright opening spell.
The Black Princesses nearly doubled their advantage before the interval, but Diana Amoako’s long-range effort struck the post.
South Africa, who advanced to this stage with a 9-0 aggregate win over Eswatini, levelled three minutes after the restart when the Ghana defence failed to clear a low cross.
Ghana restored their lead four minutes later, with Linda Owusu Ansah rising highest to nod in a corner.
But another defensive lapse cost Ghana in the 60th minute, allowing the visitors to equalise from close range.
The Black Princesses pressed late for a winner and thought they had snatched it when Jessica Appiah scored in the 90th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Ghana, which defeated Tunisia 4-0 on aggregate in the previous round, now faces a difficult second leg away from home but could deliver a stunner considering the team’s quality.
