WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup: Black Maidens edge Benin to secure semis spot

Ghana’s Black Maidens displayed grit and determination as they defeated Benin 3-2 in a thrilling Group A match at the GFA Technical Centre (Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence), Prampram, last Saturday.

Gertrude Amoafo emerged as the heroine, delivering a stunning second-half performance, including the decisive goal that sent Ghana into the semi-finals of the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup.

The contest saw Benin take the lead in the 12th minute, thanks to a well-taken strike by Yenido Gandonou. Undeterred, the Maidens scored the equalising goal in the 37th minute through Amoafo’s clinical finish. Just before half-time, Priscilla Mensah gave Ghana a crucial advantage with a composed effort, sending the Maidens into the break with a 2-1 lead.

Benin, however, fought back in the second half, with Gandonou scoring her second goal of the game in the 80th minute to draw level. 

However, the celebrations were short-lived, as Amoafo stepped up just four minutes later to unleash a brilliant strike that sealed the win for Ghana.

With this victory, the Black Maidens topped Group A with six points, booking a semi-final clash against the second-placed team in Group B.

Their journey has reignited hopes of claiming the sub-regional title, with their resilient performances garnering praise.

Earlier last Thursday, the Maidens set the tone for their campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Benin in their tournament opener in Prampram, with Christiana Ashiaku stealing the spotlight with a sensational first-half hat-trick, earning her the Most Valuable Player award.

Priscilla Mensah opened the scoring for Ghana before Ashiaku doubled the lead in the 17th minute with a sublime finish. The young forward then dazzled fans with two quick goals in the 44th and 45th minutes, completing her hat-trick and handing Ghana a commanding 4-0 lead at half-time.

Although Benin managed to reduce the deficit in the second half, the Black Maidens’ dominance was never in question. Ashiaku’s masterful performance underlined her immense talent and goal-scoring prowess, positioning her as one to watch throughout the tournament.

Ghana FA President, Kurt Simeon-Okraku, was among officials who witnessed the Maidens’ opening triumph, as well as Nigeria’s explosive 9-0 victory over Niger in Group B, underscoring the competitive nature of the tournament.  —ghanafa.org