By Samuel Ahmadu in Rabat 

Africa’s representatives endured a difficult day at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 on Sunday, with Ghana and Zambia suffering defeats against European and Asian opposition.

Ghana’s Black Maidens fell 3-0 to Norway in Group C, while Zambia’s Copper Princesses were overwhelmed 5-0 by Japan in Group D. The results followed Brazil’s emphatic 6-2 victory over Canada and France’s 2-0 triumph against Venezuela.  

Ghana Fall to Clinical Norway

Ghana struggled to contain Norway, who established control early and secured a convincing victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

Isabella Lepore opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful long-range effort before Maia Melgård doubled Norway’s advantage seven minutes later.

The Black Maidens attempted to respond but found it difficult to break through Norway’s organised defence.

Melgård completed her brace in the 80th minute, sealing a 3-0 win and earning Player of the Match recognition for her impressive performance.  

The defeat leaves Ghana needing a strong response when they face Brazil in their next Group C fixture. The South Americans will enter the encounter with confidence after their opening-day comeback victory over Canada.

Japan Overpower Zambia

Zambia also endured a frustrating afternoon, suffering a 5-0 defeat against former champions Japan in their Group D opener.

Japan wasted little time establishing their superiority, with Nanami Kurita opening the scoring in the ninth minute before a 13th-minute own goal by Zambia’s Grace Phiri increased the pressure on the African side.

The Copper Princesses struggled to regain their composure as Japan dictated the tempo and created further opportunities.

Wara Shimizu extended the lead in the 72nd minute, while Kurita scored her second of the match in the 88th minute. Asuka Tanaka added a fifth goal deep into stoppage time to complete Japan’s dominant display.  

Zambia coach Carol Kanyemba acknowledged that her players had struggled with fear and composure, particularly when defending set-pieces, but stressed the need to learn from the experience and prepare for the next challenge.  

The Copper Princesses will now turn their attention to Venezuela, knowing that a better performance will be required to keep their hopes of progressing from Group D alive.

Brazil and France Make Winning Starts

Elsewhere, Brazil recovered from an early setback to defeat Canada 6-2 in an entertaining Group C encounter.

Canada took the lead through Reed Tingley in the fourth minute, but Helena equalised in first-half stoppage time. Brazil then moved ahead through Nicolly Manuel shortly after the restart before Chloe Scicchitano briefly restored parity for Canada.

Brazil responded with four more goals through Marcela Bontorim, Greise Kelly, who scored twice, and Pepê to complete an emphatic victory. Kelly was named Player of the Match after contributing two goals and three assists.  

In Group D, France began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Venezuela. Maëlys Ané opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Léa Motyka converted a second-half penalty to secure the points for the French side.  

Africa’s Representatives Face Crucial Tests

With Ghana and Zambia both losing their opening matches, their next fixtures carry added importance as they seek to recover from disappointing starts.

Ghana face a formidable challenge against Brazil in Group C, while Zambia meet Venezuela in Group D.

Both African teams will need greater defensive discipline, improved composure and sharper finishing if they are to turn their campaigns around.

Sunday’s results underlined the level of competition at the global tournament, but Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to respond and strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages.