Badu, Mukarama secure first win for Ghana

A goal each from Hassacas Ladies’ Evelyn Badu and Northern Ladies’ Mukarama Abdullai ensured Ghana picked all points in her first Group A game, Women’s West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zone B match played at the Stade Robert Champroux.

The match ended 2-0 against Senegal.

Just when the Ghanaians thought all hope was lost after the first half ended barren, coach Mercy Tagoe devised a strategy to silence her opponents heading into the second half.

Ghana’s Black Queens, the defending champions opened the scores through Badu who manoeuvred through the defense of Senegal to put Ghana ahead in the 74th minute.

In a keenly contested game, the Senegalese started pushing for the equalizer but their efforts were denied by a formidable side who looks poised to defend the title.

To ensure Ghana win the match, Coach Tagoe introduced FIFA U17 top scorer Mukurama Abdulai who doubled the lead for Ghana in 90+2 minutes.

The win puts Ghana on the second position following hosts Ivory Coast’s 5-0 win over Togo.

Tagoe’s charges will play their second group game against Togo on Friday, May 10.

Ghana’s lineup: Dumehasi Fafali (GK) (cap), Gladys Amfobea, Rita Okyere, Janet Nana Ama Egyir,

Ellen Coleman, Evelyn Badu, Juliet Acheampong, Alice Kusi, Grace Asantewaa, Mavis Owusu, Jane Ayieyam