In a thrilling encounter, Ghana edged out Nigeria’s Flamingos 5-4 on penalties to win the inaugural WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Despite a brave fightback from the Flamingos, who overcame a 2-0 deficit, it was the host nation’s composure in the shootout that secured their victory.
Ghana made a strong start, with Gertrude Amoafa putting them ahead in the 13th minute. Just five minutes later, Priscilla Mensah doubled their advantage, making it 2-0 in the 18th minute. However, the Flamingos, undeterred by the early setback, fought their way back into the game.
In the 34th minute, Nigeria’s Precious Oscar pulled one back, sending the teams into the break with Ghana holding a slim 2-1 lead. The Flamingos came close to equalizing in the second half, with an effort in the 66th minute ruled out for offside. Three minutes later, they hit the crossbar as the pressure on Ghana mounted.
With time running out, Nigeria’s persistence paid off when Harmony Chidi scored the equalizer in the 80th minute, leveling the game at 2-2. The thrilling encounter remained deadlocked, and the match was decided by penalties.
Despite the Flamingos’ valiant efforts, Ghana held their nerve in the shootout, converting all five penalties to secure a 5-4 victory and lift the trophy. The match marked an unforgettable final in the inaugural WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup, showcasing the tenacity and skill of both teams.
Although Nigeria fell short, their spirited performance throughout the tournament highlighted their promise for the future. The Flamingos’ resilience and determination will surely leave them with valuable lessons as they continue to develop in women’s football.
