The Black Maidens are on fire at the Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup in Azerbaijan

By Patrick Akoto

Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi is confident the national Under-17 women’s team will clinch gold in the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

The Black Maiden produced a tactical display to stun favourite Japan 1-0 in the quarter-finals to become the first African country to reach the last four in the world showpiece.

Sherifatu Sumaila’s solitary strike in the 53^rd minute was enough to propel the ambitious Ghanaian side into the semi-finals in Azerbaijan on Friday.

The country’s Football Association chief is convinced the team will clinch the ultimate.

“We made history by being the first African team to qualify to the semi-finals of the World Under-17 Championship and that speaks volumes of the work that we have done in women’s football,” Nyantakyi told Radio XYZ

“I have also said elsewhere that in two years time, I expect Ghana to dominate Africa in women’s football.

“This is just the beginning of rebirth of women’s football in Ghana. I believe that it will grow into the Under-20 and also into the senior team, dominating all spheres of women’s football in Africa.

“If you have followed the game closely, you will agree that Japan appeared to be the strongest in this competition.

“We have eliminated them and if you eliminate the strongest team, then it means we are now the strongest team.

“We are the biggest or the strongest contender to win gold. I am very hopeful and I pray to God that this team will maintain its focus, discipline and a cool head to win gold.

Ghana will meet France in the semi-finals on Tuesday.