Ghana fielded an enthusiastic and determined national U- 20 women’s team – The Black Princesses who emerged from a goal down to beat their Nigerian counterparts by two goals to one in the final of the women’s football in the 13th African Games.
Striker Mukarama Abdulla got the winning goal for the Princesses in the 98th minute to put them ahead after the first half goalkeeping error by Ghana’s goalkeeper Afi Amenyeku which gave Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute.
The victory marked a significant triumph for Ghana, dethroning Nigeria and etching their name in African Games history.
The defending champions were in top form in spite of the basic errors from the team in the first half.
With the 15,000 Cape Coast stadium filled to capacity to cheer the princesses on, coach Yusif Basige became first coach to win a gold medal back to back in the African Games – 2015 and 2023 respectively.
After the resounding victory, Yusif Basige the coach of the team said “this win motivates me to do more and also prepare very well for the World Cup though there be will some additions to the team”
his tournament also serves as preparation for the Princesses 7th participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be staged in Colombia later this year.
Nigeria is also one of Africa’s representatives in the U-20 FIFA women’s World Cup.
Nigeria picked the silver medal for coming second with Uganda picking the bronze medal for defeating Senegal in the third and fourth match.
