It took penalties to separate the perennial rivals as Ghana nicked a 5-4 shoot-out win over Nigeria to earn themselves a place in the final of the first edition of the Wafu B Women’s Cup.
The two sides could not be separated in regulation time as they played out a 1-1 draw in the second semifinal at Parc des Sports de Treichville Thursday night.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons took an early lead as Alice Ogebe headed home the opening goal in the 8th minute.
But the Ghanaians fought back strongly with lanky centre-back Faustina Ampah leveling the scores from a goalmouth scramble on 17 minutes.
With no further goals, the winner had to be determined from 12 yards right after the final whistle.
The two sides went through their kicks with a miss each in the first set of five – right through to sudden death – and Onyebuchi saw her effort off target before Alice Kusi settled the game – a 5-4 win for the Black Queens.
In Saturday’s grand finale, Ghana will battle it out with Cote d’Ivoire for the trophy in a repeat of the tournament opener. The hosts edged the Black Queens 1-0 when they faced off last week.
Line-ups:
Ghana XI:
Patricia Mantey – Ellen Coleman, Gladys Amfobea, Faustina Ampah, Philicity Asuako, Janet Egyir, Grace Asantewas, Priscilla Okyere, Portia Boakye, Alice Kusi, Jane Ayieyam
Nigeria XI:
Nnadozie Chiamaka – Ogbonna Glory, Jegede Joy (c), Famuditi Kemi, Ologbosere Mary, Ogebe Alice, Igbinovia Osarenoma, Onyebuchi Goodness, Anam Imo, Wogu Chioma, Rasheedat Ajibade
