Ghana lifted the inaugural WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria on Sunday at the Ghanaian Centre of Excellence in Prampram, just outside Accra.

The match, which ended 2-2 in regulation time, saw both teams display moments of brilliance before Ghana’s composure in the shootout secured their triumph.

The game started promisingly for the hosts, with Gertrude Amoafo putting Ghana ahead in the 14th minute.

Just five minutes later, Priscilla Mensah doubled their lead, giving the Maidens a seemingly comfortable 2-0 advantage. However, Nigeria’s resilient girls refused to give up.

Nigeria mounted a strong comeback, with Precious Oscar pulling one back in the 34th minute with a powerful volley that found the back of the net from a tight angle.

The Flamingos kept up the pressure, and in the 78th minute, Harmony Chidi equalized for Nigeria with a stunning long-range strike that flew past Ghanaian goalkeeper Aishatu Fatai.

The game seemed destined for extra time, but the drama was only beginning.

The penalty shootout saw Ghana convert all five of their spot kicks, while Nigeria faltered, with defender Taiwo Adegoke hitting the woodwork with a crucial attempt from six yards.

Despite the miss, Nigeria’s performance throughout the tournament had been commendable, with the Flamingos scoring 16 goals in four matches, while conceding only four.

Benin Republic secured the bronze medal after edging out Côte d’Ivoire in another penalty shootout.

Ghana’s victory was hard-fought as the hosts’ clinical finish in the shootout gave them a deserved, albeit hard-earned, first-ever WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup title.