WAFU B U17: Ghana edges Nigeria on penalties to claim trophy

By Olaolu Joseph

Hosts Ghana emerged as champions of the inaugural WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup on Sunday, defeating Nigeria 5-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout at the Ghanaian Centre of Excellence in Prampram, near Accra.

The final match came on the same day that senior home-based professionals from both countries failed to score in an African Nations Championship qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.

However, the U17 girls made up for the lack of goals with an exciting four-goal encounter that ended in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Black Maidens scored all five of their penalties, while Nigeria missed one.

Ghana’s Getrude Amoafo opened the scoring in the 14th minute, with Priscilla Mensah doubling their lead just five minutes later. The early goals suggested an easy win for the hosts, but Nigeria had other plans.

Precious Oscar reduced the deficit in the 34th minute with a powerful volley inside Ghana’s penalty area. Later, Harmony Chidi equalized in the 78th minute with a stunning long-range strike that sailed over Ghanaian goalkeeper Aishatu Fatai, forcing the game into penalties.

In the shootout, Nigerian defender Taiwo Adegoke hit the woodwork, handing Ghana the edge.

Despite the loss, the Flamingos impressed throughout the tournament, scoring 16 goals in four matches and conceding only four.

Earlier in the day, Benin Republic secured third place by defeating Cote d’Ivoire in another penalty shootout.