Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Nigeria’s Flamingos in a thrilling final to win the inaugural edition of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Girls Cup at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram.
The match lived up to its billing, with both teams displaying high intensity from the outset.
The game’s pace quickened by the 10th minute, with end-to-end action on full display. Ghana seized the initiative in the 13th minute, capitalizing on an early corner. Getrude Amoafoh, a rising star from Kumasi Sports Academy, scored the opening goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Just five minutes later, Ghana struck again. Priscilla Mensah, a talented product of Sissamba Ladies, found the back of the net, doubling Ghana’s lead to 2-0 by the 18th minute.
Despite the scoreline, Nigeria refused to back down, pushing forward with determination. The first half ended with Ghana leading 2-0, but the game remained wide open.
Nigeria returned stronger in the second half, determined to overturn the deficit. In the 53rd minute (corrected from 33rd), Precious Chiemerie Oscar broke through Ghana’s defense to score, cutting the lead to 2-1.
The Flamingos continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 78th minute when Chidera Harmony Chidi equalized with a clinical finish.
With neither side able to find the winner in regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. In a dramatic finish, Ghana edged out Nigeria 5-4 in the penalty shootout to claim the WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup.
The Black Maidens celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Nigeria displayed commendable sportsmanship despite the heartbreak.
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