Ghana beat Nigeria to win maiden edition of WAFU BU-20 Girls’ Cup

Ghana beat Nigeria to win maiden edition of WAFU B U-20 Girls’ Cup

In a thrilling finale at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, the Black Princesses celebrated a historic victory by clinching the maiden edition of the WAFU B Girls’ U-20 Cup.

Their triumph came after a hard-fought battle against Nigeria, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The tournament, which took place in Kumasi, had been highly anticipated, and the host nation’s team set out to prove their dominance.

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🤪𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗮𝗿- 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!🥳

C’mmon #BlackPrincesses 🇬🇭 #StrongerTogether💪🏽 #ShineBlackPrincesses✨#BringBackTheLove 🥰 #KumasiU20WAFUGirls pic.twitter.com/4LKl2iwyeG

— BLACK PRINCESSES🇬🇭 (@Team_GhanaWomen) June 3, 2023

The final match started with both teams displaying immense skill and determination.

The Black Princesses showed their intent early on, launching several attacks and creating scoring opportunities.

As the game progressed, their efforts were rewarded when captain Stella Nyamekye stepped up to take a penalty kick in the 37th minute.

Nyamekye coolly converted the spot-kick, putting Ghana in the lead and igniting jubilation among the home fans.

Buoyed by their advantage, the Black Princesses continued to press forward, showcasing their tactical discipline and teamwork.

The Nigerian side, however, refused to back down and fought valiantly to find an equalizer.

With just five minutes remaining on the clock, Flourish Sabastine of Nigeria unleashed a powerful strike that found the back of the net, leveling the score and sending the game into extra time.

Both teams battled tirelessly in the additional period, but neither could find a decisive goal.

The tension rose as the match proceeded to a penalty shootout to determine the champions of the tournament.

The Black Princesses remained composed, and their goalkeeper Afi Amenyaku rose to the occasion magnificently.

Amenyaku exhibited exceptional reflexes and agility, thwarting three penalty attempts from the Nigerians, while her teammates converted their spot-kicks with precision and confidence.

The decisive moment arrived when Ghana’s final penalty found the back of the net, securing a 3-1 victory in the shootout.

The stadium erupted in celebration as the Black Princesses realized their dream of triumphing on home soil. The players, led by captain Stella Nyamekye, reveled in their well-deserved victory, a testament to their skill, resilience, and unity.

The individual achievements of the Ghanaian team were also recognized during the tournament.

Stella Nyamekye’s influential performances throughout the competition earned her the title of Best Player, a testament to her leadership and impactful contributions on the field.

Meanwhile, Afi Amenyaku’s outstanding goalkeeping skills rightfully earned her the accolade of Best Goalkeeper, showcasing her exceptional shot-stopping abilities and vital role in securing the victory for her team.

The Black Princesses’ success in the inaugural WAFU B Girls’ U-20 Cup not only brings immense pride to Ghana but also highlights the talent and potential of women’s football in the region.

Their achievement will inspire a new generation of players and contribute to the growth and development of women’s football in the country.