Mercy Myles is still revelling in the joy of a World Cup qualification after leading Ghana’s Black Maidens to qualify for the first ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Ghana, who got off to a poor start in the final African qualifying phase after two successive losses to Nigeria and Cameroon, managed to stay in contention of reaching the finals of the tournament to be hosted by New Zealand later in October after beating their two group opponents.

The Black Maidens picked a 1-0 home victory against Nigeria before going over to Yaounde last weekend to record a 2-1 win over the Cameroonians, sealing their place at the World Cup.

According Myles, captain of the Black Maidens, she was marveled at the response of her colleagues as they rallied back to secure qualification.

But she admits that it was a difficult qualifying run to endure when hope appeared lost after two successive defeats.

“We made things difficult after losing our second match at the Ohene Djan Stadium. We lost away first to Nigeria before falling to Cameroon at home.

“But that (game against Cameroon) was a match we should have won. We missed a number of chances and allowed them to win the match. It was really difficult.

“And we had Nigeria coming over next. That game was also another tough match as we had to score late on to win. It brought us back into the picture.

“That win gave us hope. We also knew we could beat Cameroon. But playing them away was not going to be not easy. Our coaches gave us hope and told us to believe in ourselves,” Mercy Myles told www.ghanafa.org.

The Black Maidens believed in their abilities but Cameroon took the lead and it looked like another sad day for the girls.

However, Ghana’s belief remained unshaken as the Black Maidens drew level with Isha Fordjour getting the equaliser before Florence Dadson’s winner sparked wild on the Black Maidens' bench. And that was the goal which qualified Ghana to the World Cup.

“We were playing well until they scored. We did not give up and also scored before scoring again to win.

“After making it 1-1, we knew it could be possible to beat them and we did it. After the game, we were so happy.

“We feel proud to being the first side to qualify for the World Cup at this level.”

New Zealand dream

With qualification done, the next task for the team is going over to New Zealand as one of the continent’s representatives for the World Cup as the competition for places is expected to be keener.

“I am very happy for what we have been able to do for Ghana. Playing at the World Cup has always been the team’s dream, which we have been able to achieve for now.

“New Zealand is a long road from here. I don’t know who would make the team as we all have to justify for places.

“Even if I don’t make it, I would still feel proud of captaining the team to qualify. However, I hope to be part of the team,” Myles said.

“We have to go there (New Zealand) determined to win something. It’s always about achieving something. And we would try to do it,” the Black Maidens captain said.

Ghana would play in Group B at the World Cup where the Black Maidens join Germany, Korea DPR and a CONCACAF team.

The Black Maidens would open their Group B campaign against Korea DPR in Christchurch on October 29 before taking on Germany three days later with the final group match against the CONCACAF representative.

The World Cup will be hosted by New Zealand from October 28 to November 16, 2008.