Ghana goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie scored her first clean sheet at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to help the Girls in Black to a 2-0 win over Canada and a place in the Round of 16 in Morocco.
The World Cup journey was a special moment for the young goalkeeper, one of learning, endurance and improvement.
Belinda has come under fire from some Ghanaian supporters after conceding three goals in the opening match against Norway. However, he showed signs of improvement in the subsequent 3–3 draw against Brazil, again making important saves despite conceding three goals.
Against Canada, the Cabfix Ladies keeper took another important step by keeping a clean sheet as Ghana secured a much-needed win to advance to the play-offs.
His performance reflects the demands of playing at the highest level of international youth football, where young players must learn, adapt and respond under pressure.
Belinda’s trip to Morocco was also marked by an international experience. He impressed during Ghana’s U-17 qualifying campaign and helped the team secure a place in the World Cup. She also made her debut for Ghana’s U-20 women’s team, the Black Princes, and helped them qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. However, she was unable to travel to Poland as her commitments with the Black Girls, including the WAFU B campaign and U-17 World Cup preparations, took priority.
Now, having secured his first clean sheet at the World Cup and in the round of 16 against Ghana, Belinda has another milestone to celebrate.
This path was not without problems for the young goalkeeper who experienced his first World Cup. But his on-field response against Canada is encouraging and a reminder that development is a process.
As the Black Girls prepare for the next stage of the competition, Belinda will be hoping to build on this performance and continue to prove herself on the world stage.