The Black Maidens of Ghana made a statement in their opening match of the 2024 WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup, cruising to a commanding 4-1 win over Benin.
The game, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Ghana on Thursday, December 15, marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting tournament.
From the very first whistle, Ghana demonstrated their intent, with Priscilla Mensah breaking the deadlock just 6 minutes into the match. Her clinical finish gave the hosts the early advantage, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
The Black Maidens quickly built on their lead, extending it to 2-0 in the 17th minute. Christiana Ashiaku, a standout performer throughout the match, found the back of the net with a powerful strike, further solidifying Ghana’s control of the game.
As the first half drew to a close, Ashiaku continued to shine, scoring twice in quick succession to give the Black Maidens an impressive 4-0 lead heading into the break. Her brace was a testament to her skill and composure in front of goal, leaving Benin with little room to mount a comeback.
Despite a second-half goal from Benin, Ghana’s defence and midfield stood firm, and the hosts controlled the pace of the game. The Black Maidens sealed their 4-1 victory, securing all three points and setting the stage for what could be a thrilling tournament ahead.
With this dominant win, Ghana has sent a clear message to their opponents that they are ready to challenge for the title, and the Black Maidens’ journey in the 2024 WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup is off to a brilliant start.