By Victor Kanayo
Senegal have emerged winners of the Inaugural WAFU A U20 Women’s Cup title following a comprehensive 3-0 victory over hosts Sierra Leone at the Southern Arena in Bo City on Monday.
The high-profile encounter, which served as the third and final round of matches of the maiden age-grade women’s championship in the region, witnessed a convincing display from the Senegalese to silence the home fans.
Senegal, Sierra Leone Road To Final
Senegal went into the title-deciding match of the four-nation competition with high hopes against the hosts, having a secured 4-0 win over Guinea Bissau and a 3-1 victory over Guinea.
Sierra Leone, on the other hand, needed an outright win to be crowned champions, following a 1-1 draw with Guinea before a recent 2-1 victory over Guinea Bissau to snatch the coveted trophy.
Classical Senegalese
It was the Senegalese who went ahead first inside the opening 60 seconds of the tie through taliswoman Hapsatou Diallo.
18 minutes later, Coumba Sylla Mbodji doubled the advantage to hand the visitors a two-goal at the break.
Senegal’s Hapsatou Diallo won the Player of the Match award after her early opener stirred the Terranga Lionesses to success.
After the resumption, Sierra Leone gave their best but could not find a breakthrough until the 83rd minute when Sagidatou Diallo compounded the woes of the hosts to seal the coveted crown.
Guinea Second Place Finish
Earlier, Guinea defeated Guinea Bissau 2-0 to end their campaign on a winning note and emerged as vice champions.
After a barren first half, Nana Camara gave the Guineans the long-sought lead in the 80th minute before Aminita Bangoura completed the win with her last-gasp finish in additional time.
Guinea’s Nana Camara was named the Woman-of-the-Match after she inspired the Guineans to victory over Guinea Bissau.
Individual Prizes
On individual awards, Hapsatou Diallo of Senegal claimed a double prize as she won the Best Player of the Tournament and Highest goal scorer gong with five goals in three matches.
Senegal’s Khady Faye was also named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, having conceded only one goal in three games, while hosts Sierra Leone got the Fair Play award.
