Nigeria’s Flamingos were edged out in a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 5-4 to Ghana after a 2-2 draw in regular time in the final of the U-17 WAFU B girls cup in Accra, Ghana.
Despite a heroic comeback that saw them fight back from two goals down, the Flamingos were unable to convert their final penalty, as Khadija struck the post, handing Ghana a 5-4 victory and their maiden U17 WAFU B continental title.
The match started with Ghana on the front foot, taking the lead early through Gertrude Amoafa, whose 13th-minute strike gave the Black Maidens an early advantage.
Just five minutes later, Priscilla Mensah doubled Ghana’s lead with a stunning shot in the 18th minute, leaving the Flamingos with a difficult task ahead.
But Nigeria responded fiercely, with Precious Oscar pulling one back in the 34th minute, expertly finishing to halve the deficit before halftime.
READ MORE:Super Eagles hold Ghana to draw in Accra in CHAN qualifier
The second half saw Nigeria dominate possession and apply relentless pressure, and they finally found their equalizer in the 80th minute. Harmony Chidi, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, finished coolly to make it 2-2, sending the game to penalties.
In the shootout, Ghana converted all five of their penalties, while Nigeria faltered after Khadija’s miss. Nigeria’s hopes were dashed when Khadija’s penalty struck the post.
For Ghana, the victory marked a historic maiden U-17 WAFU B title. Their clinical finish in the shootout, ensured that the Black Maidens lifted the trophy on home soil.
How the Technical Bench Celebrated when GHANA was confirmed Winners of the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup 🇬🇭🇬🇭🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#WAFUBU17GirlsCup pic.twitter.com/GTpC43BCsD
— SN Women’s Football (@SNWomenFootball) December 22, 2024
Individual Honors
Christiana Uzoma: Nigeria’s goalkeeper, was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament
Harmony Chidi: The Nigerian striker was awarded Woman of the Match for her influential performance in the final.
