The inaugural WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup reached a dramatic climax in Prampram, Ghana, as the host nation, the Black Maidens, clinched the championship title after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over their Nigerian counterparts, the Flamingos. The match, a pulsating encounter from start to finish, saw both teams battle fiercely for supremacy, ending regulation time in a 2-2 deadlock, forcing the ultimate test of nerves from the penalty spot. The Maidens, fueled by the home crowd’s fervent support, held their composure, converting all five of their penalties, while the Flamingos faltered, missing one crucial attempt, handing the victory and the coveted trophy to Ghana.
The match started promisingly for the Black Maidens, who exerted early pressure and quickly gained control of the proceedings. Their efforts were rewarded in the 14th minute when Gertrude Amoafo broke the deadlock, sending the home crowd into raptures. The lead was doubled just five minutes later, courtesy of Priscilla Mensah, who capitalized on a lapse in the Nigerian defense to extend Ghana’s advantage and seemingly put the Maidens firmly in the driver’s seat. With a two-goal cushion, the prospect of a comfortable victory beckoned for the hosts.
However, the Flamingos, displaying resilience and a refusal to surrender, mounted a spirited comeback. Precious Oscar ignited the Nigerian revival in the 34th minute, unleashing a powerful volley that found the back of the net, halving the deficit and injecting renewed hope into the Nigerian ranks. The momentum shifted as the Flamingos pressed forward with renewed vigor, creating several scoring opportunities. Their persistence finally paid dividends in the 78th minute when Harmony Chidi unleashed a spectacular long-range strike that sailed over the outstretched hand of Ghanaian goalkeeper Aishatu Fatai, restoring parity and setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
With the scores level at the end of regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, a nerve-wracking affair that tested the mental fortitude of both teams. The tension was palpable as each player stepped up to take their spot-kick, the fate of the championship hanging in the balance. The Black Maidens, displaying remarkable composure under immense pressure, flawlessly converted all five of their penalties, putting the onus on the Flamingos to match their accuracy. However, Taiwo Adegoke’s attempt struck the woodwork, proving to be the decisive moment of the shootout, handing the victory and the inaugural WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup title to the jubilant Ghanaian side.
While the Flamingos ultimately fell short in the final, their performance throughout the tournament was commendable. They showcased their attacking prowess, scoring a remarkable 16 goals in four matches, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. Despite conceding only four goals, their defensive efforts were ultimately undone in the final, but their overall performance cemented their status as a formidable force in women’s youth football in the region. The disappointment of losing the final will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the young Nigerian side to strive for greater success in future competitions.
In the third-place playoff match, Benin Republic emerged victorious over Cote d’Ivoire, also after a penalty shootout. The bronze medal finish for Benin adds another layer of accomplishment to the tournament, highlighting the competitive landscape of women’s football in the WAFU B region. The inaugural WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup served as a platform for young female footballers to showcase their talent and potential, promising a bright future for the development of women’s football in the region. The success of the tournament underscores the growing importance of investing in and nurturing young talent, paving the way for future generations of female footballers to excel on the international stage.
