Ghana’s Black Maidens secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Senegal after Benedicta Danso scored a late equaliser in the first leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round tie at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar on Friday.

The result hands Ghana a valuable away goal and leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the decisive second leg in Accra.

Both teams produced an evenly matched first-half display, creating several scoring opportunities but struggling to find a breakthrough in open play. Senegal eventually edged in front just before the interval after converting a penalty to take a 1-0 lead into the break.

The Black Maidens emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and pushed for an equaliser, increasing the pressure on the hosts as the match wore on. Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Benedicta Danso kept her composure inside the penalty area to slot home and level the score.

The late strike ensured Ghana avoided defeat and strengthened their chances of progressing to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The return leg will be played in Accra, where the Black Maidens will aim to capitalise on home advantage and secure qualification for the tournament, which will be staged in Morocco in October.