Forward Mukarama Abdulai emerged as the hero, securing gold for Ghana in women’s football at the 2023 African Games with a stunning winner against Nigeria.
The thrilling match, held at the Cape Coast Stadium, saw Abdulai’s spectacular strike finding the bottom corner of the net during the first half of extra time, sending the fans into a frenzy.
Nigeria, coming into the contest undefeated and yet to concede a goal in the tournament, took an early lead in the 23rd minute through Edeh Njideka, capitalising on a mistake by Ghana’s goalkeeper Afi Amenyeku.
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Despite Nigeria’s strong form, Ghana displayed resilience and determination, equalising in the 77th minute with a goal from Tracey Twum.
With the match deadlocked at full time, the teams headed into extra time. It was then that Abdulai seized the moment, netting the decisive goal in the 98th minute to clinch the gold medal for Ghana.
Her redemption from previous criticism was evident as fans cheered her name amid the electrifying atmosphere of the packed stadium.
The victory marked a significant triumph for Ghana, dethroning Nigeria and etching their name in African Games history.
Falconets booked their place in the finals, after defeating Uganda 2-0 in the match played at the Cape Coast Stadium on Monday in the first semi-final.
Ghana also defeated the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal 3-1 to book a place in the final.
Falconets won the gold medal in the event at the 12th African Games in Rabat, Morocco, in 2019.
The 13th African Games, which started March 8, will end on March 23. The ongoing games are being held across three cities of Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast.
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