Ghana’s women’s youth national teams are heading to the world stage once again and at the heart of both success stories is one rising star.
The Black Princesses (U-20) and the Black Maidens (U-17) have both secured qualification for their respective FIFA World Cups in 2026.
The U-20 tournament will be staged in Poland in September, while Morocco hosts the U-17 competition in October.
One name stands out across both campaigns: Belinda Maku Aklie.
At just 16 years old, the Cabfix Ladies goalkeeper has emerged as a key figure for both national teams, delivering composed and match-winning performances beyond her age.
From a Fishing Community to the Global Stage
Dreams often begin with hope — but without opportunity, many never materialize.
For Belinda, that dream was born in Akplabanya, a fishing community in the Ada West District of Ghana. Back then, becoming a national team goalkeeper seemed distant.
Today, she is firmly on that path.
Her journey from Division One football with Cabfix Ladies to representing Ghana on two international levels within a year is a story of talent meeting opportunity and making the most of it.
Dominance with the Black Maidens
Belinda first made her mark with the Black Maidens during the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
She featured in six matches, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just two goals — a remarkable record that underlined her importance to the team’s success.
Her performances between the posts played a crucial role in Ghana booking a place at the tournament in Morocco.
Stepping Up to the Black Princesses
Belinda was called up to replace an injured goalkeeper in the Black Princesses squad and quickly adapted to the higher level.
In the final qualifying round against Uganda, she once again proved her reliability, conceding only two goals as Ghana secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
It will be Ghana’s eighth appearance at the tournament.
Club Form Backing Her Rise
At club level in the Division One League, Belinda’s performances have been just as impressive.
During the 2025/26 season, she made 26 appearances for Cabfix Ladies and kept 10 clean sheets, reinforcing her status as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country.
A Mindset Built for the Top
According to Cabfix Ladies CEO Jerod Doetse Kabu Aklie, Belinda’s rapid rise is no coincidence.
Her discipline, resilience, and determination have been central to her development.
“I have known her for a very long time, and I have always trusted her. But for her to represent the national teams, I honestly didn’t expect it at all,” he said.
Inspired by Greatness, Driven by Ambition
Belinda draws inspiration from Thibaut Courtois, one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
But her ambitions go even further.
The young shot-stopper has set her sights on making history, aiming to help Ghana win the FIFA World Cup at both U-17 and U-20 levels.
I was very surprised when I had my first national team call up because I never expected a division one league goalkeeper to make it to that level.
“I want to win a lot of trophies for Ghana by performing well at the upcoming World Cups. My favourite goalkeeper is Thibaut Courtois because of his composure, experience, and calmness in goal,” she said.
With hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of Ghanaians, her dream is within reach.
The journey won’t be easy, but with passion and resilience, greatness is possible.
