WAFU B U17: Ghana secures final showdown with Ivory Coast
Ghana booked their place in the final of the UFOA B U17 tournament on Tuesday evening with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Nigeria in Abidjan, setting up a decisive clash against hosts Ivory Coast.
The match burst into life inside the opening minute when Nigeria’s Agha squandered a clear chance, slipping through a shaken Ghanaian back line but failing to convert.
Ghana responded with intent and began to dictate the tempo, though early efforts lacked precision.
Captain Joseph Narbi sent a powerful drive well wide in the 17th minute, while three minutes later Clement Agyei forced a fingertip save from Nigerian goalkeeper Edafe with a rising shot that grazed the crossbar.
Ghana’s breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute following a high recovery deep in their own half.
A swift counterattack unfolded with clinical efficiency, ending as Michael Awuli found the net to give his side a deserved lead.
The momentum continued to swing Ghana’s way and, less than ten minutes later, Robinho Gavi Yao doubled the advantage.
Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, he dribbled past a defender before striking cleanly with his right foot to send Ghana into the interval two goals to the good.
Nigeria emerged for the second half in search of a way back into the contest but were repeatedly stifled by a disciplined Ghanaian rearguard.
Chances were scarce, and when openings did appear, Ghana’s defensive structure held firm.
The Black Starlets combined composure at the back with bursts of counterattacking threat, ensuring their opponents could not gain a foothold.
Although Ghana failed to add to their tally after the break, the match remained firmly under their control.
Nigeria’s few attacking forays ended in frustration, while Ghana calmly managed possession to see out the game and secure a place in the final without conceding.
The 2-0 victory not only underlined Ghana’s defensive resilience but also highlighted their sharpness in front of goal during the key phases of the match.
They will now face Ivory Coast, the host nation, in a highly anticipated final that promises to test their title credentials to the fullest.
With a blend of clinical finishing and tactical discipline, Ghana’s young side has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout teams, and their meeting with Ivory Coast is set to be a fitting climax to the competition.
