Ghana Women's team showed why they are ranked second in Africa when they trounced their West African rivals, Nigeria 4-1 in the last pool match of the African Cup of Nations tournament in front of a capacity crowd. By this feat, they have earned the right to meet the seemingly unbeatable South African women's team in the grand final on Saturday afternoon.
Ghana opened the scoring in the 11th minute through a penalty corner taken by Beatrice Darko. The game went to and fro between the 2 teams and the more aggressive Nigerians deservingly equalized through Captain Ajuma Jegwa from open play. As if stung by the equalizer, Ghana pressurized Nigeria and scored two more goals from penalty corners taken by Beatrice Darko (28th and 32nd) giving her a hat-trick for the game. Ghana led 3-1 at the break.
In the second half, Nigeria tried hard to redeem a goal, but they wasted the few chances that came their way. Ghana scored the fourth goal through Emelia Aggrey who finished off a brilliant move from the midfield with a diving connection that displaced the Nigerian goalie.
Earlier, favorites South Africa showed no mercy towards Egypt whitewashing them 11-0 with goals from Vida Ryan (6th and 45th), Cindy Brown (9th and 32nd), Kim Hubach (11th), Roxanne Turner (27th, 60th and 69th), Kelly Madsen (34th), Shelly Russell (43rd), Julia Cass (58th). South Africa led 6-0 at the interval.
The 3rd places matches will be played on Friday with the Nigeria locking horns with Egypt at 13:30hours in the women's competition and Ghana and Nigeria do battle in the men's category at 16:00hours
Source: AfHF
