The Black Maidens have booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after a deserved 2-0 victory over Canada in their final Group B game in Morocco.

Ghana secured the win they needed to leapfrog their North American counterparts and advance, while Canada must now wait to see if they will progress as one of the four best third-placed sides.

Joe Nana Adarkwa's side created the best chance of the first half, with an inspired Jessica Appiah carrying the ball through the Canadian half, only to see her powerful effort brilliantly tipped onto the post by Canadian goalkeeper Megan Lemieux.

The game shifted after a double substitution by Coach Adarkwa. A looping Hajara Adam pass downfield came back off the post, with the loose ball dropping kindly to Priscilla Mensah, who found fellow substitute Linda Achiaa to steer home with her first touch — just 35 seconds after coming on — to give Ghana a priceless lead.

Ghana added an insurance goal in stoppage time, with super-sub Christiana Ashiaku firing in from distance to seal the 2-0 win and spark wild celebrations in the Ghanaian camp.

The Maidens will now prepare for the Round of 16 after collecting four points from three games, following a 0-3 loss to Norway and a spirited 3-3 draw with Brazil.

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