Ghana’s Black Maidens defeat Nigeria on penalties to win inaugural WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup

Ghana's Black Maidens emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Nigeria on Sunday, claiming the maiden WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup title.

The tournament, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Ghana, culminated in an unforgettable showdown between two fierce rivals.

The final offered a chance for the host nation to secure a historic triumph, while Nigeria's U17 Women's team arrived with ambitions of spoiling Ghana's party and taking the trophy back home.

Ghana took an early lead in the high-stakes match, with Gertrude Amoafo finding the back of the net in the 14th minute. The Black Maidens extended their advantage just five minutes later when Priscilla Mensah doubled the tally.

However, Nigeria's Flamingos demonstrated resilience, clawing their way back into the contest. Their determined fightback resulted in two crucial goals, levelling the score at 2-2 and setting the stage for an intense penalty shootout.

Under immense pressure, Ghana's Black Maidens held their nerve, showcasing composure and precision to secure a 5-4 victory in the shootout. The triumph marked the completion of Ghana's "host and win" agenda, bringing joy and pride to fans and players alike.

The victory not only cements the Black Maidens' dominance in the region but also serves as an inspiration for the development of women's football in Ghana.