Black Princesses Clinch Gold with Thrilling Comeback at African Games Final

Written by Afua Amankwanowa

In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Ghana's U20 women's national team captured the gold medal at the 2023 African Games after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat their Nigerian counterparts 2-1 in the final showdown. Despite facing a daunting 1-0 deficit at halftime, the Black Princesses refused to succumb to adversity. With unwavering resolve and the support of a fervent home crowd at the Cape Coast Stadium, they launched a spirited comeback in the second half.

It was Edeh Njideka who initially put Nigeria in the lead with a goal in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a rare error by Ghana's goalkeeper, Afi Amenyeku. However, undeterred by the setback, Yusif Basigi's side intensified their efforts, relentlessly pressing forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Tracey Twum unleashed a stunning strike, leveling the scoreline with a goal that sent the stadium into a frenzy of jubilation.

With the momentum firmly in their favor, Ghana continued to push for victory as the game entered extra time. In a moment of brilliance, Mukarama Abdulai seized the opportunity, breaking free from her marker and unleashing a thunderous shot from 30 yards out. The ball soared into the net, securing Ghana's triumph in the 99th minute and igniting scenes of celebration among players and fans alike.

This historic victory not only secured Ghana's 11th gold medal at the ongoing African Games but also showcased the resilience and tenacity of the Black Princesses. As the nation revels in this triumph, attention now turns to the men's football final, where the Black Satellites have the chance to add another gold medal to Ghana's tally as they prepare to face Uganda at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.