Ghana made a strong statement in their opening match of the 2019 WAFU B Women’s Tournament, securing a 2-0 victory over Senegal on Wednesday at the Robert Champroux Stadium in Abidjan. As the defending champions, the Black Queens entered the tournament with high expectations, determined to start their campaign with a convincing performance and send a clear message to their West African rivals.
The first half was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Senegal, known as the Lionesses, displayed resilience and organization in defense, keeping the scoreline level and testing Ghana’s patience. Despite their efforts, the Black Queens maintained control of possession and gradually increased the pressure as the match progressed.
Ghana broke the deadlock in the second half through Alice Kusi, who demonstrated composure and skill to finish a well-constructed move. Her goal gave the defending champions the lead and energized the team, forcing Senegal to push forward in search of an equalizer. However, the West African rivals were unable to capitalize on their chances, as Ghana’s defensive organization and tactical discipline effectively neutralized their attacks.
As the match wore on, Ghana continued to assert dominance, combining quick passing, intelligent movement, and physical presence to maintain control of the midfield. The team’s strategy paid off late in the game when young star Abdullai Mukarama added a second goal, securing a 2-0 win for the Black Queens. Mukarama, who has been highlighted as one of the tournament’s most promising talents, displayed excellent timing and finishing, proving she can make a decisive impact even at this early stage of the competition.
With this victory, Ghana achieved a successful start to their WAFU B campaign, reinforcing their status as defending champions and a team to watch in the tournament. Their performance was marked by a blend of experience and youth, as seasoned players like Alice Kusi led the team while emerging talents like Mukarama provided energy and creativity. The result boosts Ghana’s confidence and lays a solid foundation for the upcoming group stage matches.
Following the match, Ghana sits in second place in Group A, just behind Ivory Coast, who had set the standard with a dominant 5-0 victory over Togo in the opening game. The standings reflect the current strength of West African women’s football, with both host and defending champion demonstrating their readiness to compete at the highest regional level.
Ghana’s win also highlights the effectiveness of Mercy Tagoe’s coaching. Tagoe, who returned to the helm of the Black Queens following a disappointing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign on home soil, has successfully instilled confidence, tactical discipline, and a winning mentality within the squad. Her leadership ensures that Ghana remains a formidable contender, combining the experience of veteran players with the dynamism of younger talents.
As the tournament progresses, Ghana will look to build on this momentum, aiming to maintain their unbeaten record in the group stage and defend their title. Their opening performance serves as a clear signal that the Black Queens are determined to retain the WAFU B trophy, while also providing valuable preparation for future continental competitions.
