Ghana devour Eagles in WAFU Cup final

Black Star of Ghana yesterday emerged West African football champions by beaten Nigeria in the WAFU Cup fi nal. Th e Black Stars mauled Nigeria by 4-1 on the last day of the championship to prove to the Eagles their earlier 0-2 loss to them in the group stage was a fl uke. Sarfo, who was the chief tormentor of Nigeria, scored a brace while Atinga scored the second via a penalty kick to hand the trophy to Ghana. Both teams started the game on cautious note, using massive attack and defence to size up each other.

But the game later progress on a fast-paced while a lot of mistakes were made by both sides up till 34th minute of the fi rst half. From the 31st minute of the excruciating encounter Ghana began to dictate proceeding, piling the pressure on the Nigeria defense, until the host eff ort paid off in 45th minute when Sarfo strike from the box- 18 edge cut goalkeeper Ezenwa unaware to break the deadlock.

Th e uncoordinated defense line of Eagles caused them to give away two cheap penalties to Ghana as Patrick Razak who replaced Waja for the Black Stars was brought down, and the spot kicks weresuccinctly converted by Atingah and Sarfo in the second half to increase Ghana tally to three.

Th e fourth goal came due to another defensive error as goalkeeper slip up in the box- 18 was tucked in by another Ghana player to get their fourth goal. Nigeria, however, got a consolatory goal in the injury time courtesy of Rabiu Alli a thunderous free-kick to end the game at 4-1.

In his post-match remark, Eagles Coach Yusuf Salisu admitted Ghana’s superiority in the game and hope to correct his boys lapses before they go for the next year African Nations Chapionship, CHAN. To get to the fi nal stage, Ghana edged out Niger Republic in last Th ursday’s semifi nal while Nigeria beat Benin Republic to the fi nal ticket. Both Ghana and Nigeria have enjoyed past successes in the subregional football tournament.

While the Super Eagles were winners in 2010, Ghana claimed the 2013 edition. Th e WAFU Cup competition is meant for players who ply their trade in each country’s domestic league. Among the dignitaries on ground at Cape Coast to withness the competion was CAF presiden Ahmad Ahmad and the Nigeria Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon. Niger Republic claimed the third position in the competition as they beat Benin Republic 2-1.

 

 

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