Ghana U-17 Women’s coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has described the Black Maidens as the “Brazilians of Africa” after their 3-3 draw with Brazil at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Ghana came from behind twice to secure a point against the South Americans after losing 3-0 to Norway in their opening Group C game.

Brazil took the lead in the seventh minute through Nicolly before Rafia Osman equalised for Ghana in the 31st minute.

Gloria Ameaa then put the Black Maidens ahead four minutes later, but Kaillany Rafinah restored parity for Brazil in the 44th minute.

Brazil regained the lead in the 57th minute through Indy.

Ghana, however, fought back again, with Priscilla Mensah scoring five minutes from time to secure a 3-3 draw.

“We all know how Brazilians play, but we are the Brazilians of Africa,” Adarkwa told FIFA after the match.

“We are like them, but Brazil are up there. We are getting stronger and we will get there. I'm happy that our girls responded to our two training sessions. We did some scoring in training, and they applied that.”

Adarkwa said he was proud of the team despite the difficult group.

“We are in one of the toughest groups, but I’m proud of my girls. After equalising, we had so many chances, but they are young, they are learning, so we have a lot to do with the girls. But I’m happy for them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ghana midfielder Jessica Appiah Asamoah was named Player of the Match after playing a key role in the draw.

Jessica created four chances, won seven duels and completed three successful dribbles.

She also played a decisive role in Ghana’s equaliser. In the 85th minute, she beat two Brazilian players before delivering a defence-splitting pass into the box for Mensah to convert.

Ghana have one point from their opening two Group C matches and remain bottom of the group.

The Black Maidens will face Canada in their final group game on Saturday, with a win crucial to their hopes of reaching the next round.

Canada sit second in the group after beating Norway 3-2.

Clarify Ghana’s group-standing detailsTighten the match timeline further