WAFU B Under-17 Girls’ Cup: Black Maidens beat Nigeria to win title

Ghana’s Black Maidens etched their names into the history books with a nail-biting 5-4 victory over Nigeria’s Super Flamingos via penalty shootout to clinch the inaugural WAFU Zone B U-17 Girls Cup.

Last Sunday’s final, held at the GFA’s Technical Centre (Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence) in Prampram, delivered every ounce of excitement that had been promised, captivating fans with its high-stakes drama and intense competition. 

After a gripping 2-2 at the end of regulation time, it took a pulsating shootout to separate the two sides, with Victoria Banful delivering the winning goal and sending the hosts into delirium.

Both teams approached the game with ferocious intensity, producing an end-to-end spectacle that had spectators on the edge of their seats.

Ghana struck first blood in the 13th minute, capitalising on an early corner. Rising star Gertrude Amoafoa of Kumasi Sports Academy pounced on the opportunity, driving the ball into the net to the delight of the home crowd.

The Black Maidens wasted no time extending their lead. Just five minutes later, Priscilla Mensah of Sissamba Ladies latched onto a through ball and delivered a clinical finish past the Nigerian goalkeeper. At 2-0 up inside 18 minutes, the hosts looked firmly in control, leaving the Super Flamingos reeling.

Despite the early setback, Nigeria refused to buckle under pressure. The Super Flamingos rallied with resilience, pushing forward with intent to close the gap.

Yet, Ghana’s defence held firm, ensuring the first half ended with the hosts maintaining their two-goal cushion.

Nigeria’s resurgence

The second half witnessed a spirited fightback from the Nigerians. Emerging from the break with renewed purpose, they turned up the pressure on the Black Maidens.

Their persistence bore fruit in the 53rd minute when Precious Chiemerie Oscar broke through Ghana’s defensive lines to score. Her well-taken goal brought the score to 2-1 and injected fresh energy into the Nigerian side.

Buoyed by the goal, Nigeria continued to press, forcing Ghana onto the back foot.

The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Chidera Harmony Chidi capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home the equaliser to silence the home crowd and set the stage for a frantic final 12 minutes.

With the score tied at 2-2, the momentum seemed to favour the visitors as the clock ticked away.

Both teams threw everything into finding a winner, but the defences held firm, pushing the game into the ultimate decider—a penalty shootout.

The Black Maidens held their nerve, converting five of their penalties with composure and precision, while the Super Flamingos missed their third kick to give Ghana the advantage.

When Ghana’s final penalty soared into the back of the net, the stadium erupted in scenes of unbridled joy as players, officials, and fans celebrated the historic feat.