Ghana Clinches WAFU B Tournament Title with Penalty Shootout Victory over Nigeria
Ghana’s U-20 girls’ national team, known as the Black Princesses, showcased their determination and resilience as they emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout against their arch-rivals Nigeria. The intense final of the inaugural WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup of Nations held at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi saw goalkeeper Afi Amenyaku shine brightly, saving three Nigerian penalties to secure a memorable 3-1 victory in the shootout after a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
The tournament, hosted by Ghana, proved to be a resounding success for the host nation, who not only organized the event but also claimed the championship title on home soil. The Black Princesses’ captain, Stella Nyamekye, displayed her leadership skills by converting a penalty kick in the 37th minute, giving her team a crucial lead. However, Nigeria managed to equalize in the closing moments of regular time, setting the stage for the exhilarating penalty shootout that followed.
๐คช๐ช๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ- ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ!๐ฅณ
Cโmmon #BlackPrincesses ๐ฌ๐ญ #StrongerTogether๐ช๐ฝ #ShineBlackPrincessesโจ#BringBackTheLove ๐ฅฐ #KumasiU20WAFUGirls pic.twitter.com/4LKl2iwyeG
— GHANA WOMEN NATIONAL TEAMS๐ฌ๐ญ (@Team_GhanaWomen) June 3, 2023
It was the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Afi Amenyaku that stole the spotlight as she demonstrated her shot-stopping abilities, denying the Nigerian team on multiple occasions. Amenyaku’s heroics propelled Ghana to victory, igniting jubilant celebrations that will undoubtedly continue long into the night.
The triumph of the Black Princesses in the WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup of Nations not only underscores their exceptional talent and determination but also cements their position as a force to be reckoned with in African women’s football. This victory will undoubtedly inspire and motivate young girls across the country to pursue their football dreams, paving the way for a bright future in Ghanaian women’s football.
The Ghanaian team’s achievement in this fiercely contested tournament serves as a testament to their hard work, skill, and teamwork. It also signifies the country’s commitment to developing women’s football and provides a platform for talented young players to showcase their abilities at the international level.
As the celebrations continue and the trophy finds its rightful place in the hands of the victorious Black Princesses, Ghana’s triumph in the WAFU B tournament will be remembered as a remarkable milestone in the nation’s footballing history.
