By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria and Ghana will on Thursday, March 21, 2024, renew their rivalry when they trade tackles in the final of women’s football event of the ongoing 13th edition of the African Games which is gradually winding down.
Both West African nations were victorious in their semi-final matches against Uganda and Senegal late Monday night to set up the epic final showdown.
The women’s football competition last four matches witnessed intense battles as teams vied for a spot in the final, thus, eyeing the gold medal.
Last Four Fierce Battle
In the first semi-final clash, Nigeria faced off against Uganda in a tightly contested affair. Both teams were evenly matched, with neither willing to concede ground.
The game remained deadlocked for much of the match until Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through Judith Adaobi Okah.
With the clock ticking down, Chiamaka Okuchukwu sealed Nigeria’s victory with a late goal in the 89th minute, securing a 2-0 win for the West African powerhouse.
Later on, Ghana, buoyed by home support, started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute through Tracy Twum.
The early goal set the tone for Ghana’s dominance in the first half, and they doubled their lead just before the break with a goal from Ophelia Amponsah in the 45th minute.
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Senegal, however, refused to go down without a fight and pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute through Kande.
The goal injected new life into the game as Senegal pushed for an equalizer but Ghana remained resolute, and Amponsah secured her brace in the 55th minute to restore Ghana’s two-goal advantage.
Despite Senegal’s best efforts, Ghana held on to claim a hard-fought 3-1 victory and book their place in the final.
Familiar Foes
With these results, Ghana and Nigeria set up a mouthwatering final clash, renewing their age-old rivalry on the football pitch.
Outside the Games, Nigeria and Ghana still have a date to keep this season, at the forthcoming FIFA international window for men, a friendly match slated for Morocco.
Much earlier on Thursday, Uganda will face Senegal in the bronze medal match in the first match slated for 5pm local time, aiming to salvage a podium finish in the tournament.
