Ghana’s Black Maidens triumphed over Nigeria’s Super Flamingos in a thrilling final to win the inaugural WAFU Zone B U-17 Girls Cup at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The match, which lived up to its high expectations, was a fast-paced and intense encounter from the very start.
The action quickly picked up by the 10th minute, with both teams engaging in end-to-end play. Ghana took control in the 13th minute, capitalizing on an early corner kick. Getrude Amoafoa, a promising talent from Kumasi Sports Academy, opened the scoring, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Five minutes later, Ghana doubled their lead. Priscilla Mensah, another standout player from Sissamba Ladies, found the back of the net, making it 2-0 by the 18th minute.
Despite being two goals down, Nigeria refused to give up and continued to press forward. The first half ended 2-0 in Ghana’s favor, but Nigeria remained determined to make a comeback.
The Super Flamingos returned from the break with renewed energy and managed to reduce the deficit in the 53rd minute. Precious Chiemerie Oscar capitalized on a defensive lapse, scoring to make it 2-1.
Nigeria’s relentless pressure paid off again in the 78th minute when Chidera Harmony Chidi clinically finished off a chance to level the score at 2-2.
With no winner emerging after regulation time, the match went to a penalty shootout. In a dramatic conclusion, Ghana narrowly edged Nigeria 5-4 in the shootout to claim the WAFU Zone B U-17 Girls Cup.
The Black Maidens celebrated their hard-earned victory, while Nigeria, despite the disappointment, showed great sportsmanship throughout the contest.
