Senegal are the champions of the 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations after beating Ghana 3-1 in a penalty shootout following 120 minutes of football which ended 1-1 at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies on Sunday.
The intriguing final at the Stade Lat-Dior ended goalless at the end of regular time but both teams found the target in the second-half of extra-time.
Second-half substitute Youssouph Badji broke the deadlock for Senegal in the 107th minute but Joseph Esso’s equaliser two minutes later put the Black Stars back in the encounter.
The two teams had a bright start to the game with the Black Stars making their first attempt on target in the 10th minute when Habib Mohammed’s header struck the woodwork.
A minute later, Patrick Yeboah received the first yellow of the game for bringing down Ibrahima Drame but Philippe Keny could not direct his header at goal off Ousseynou Niang’s cross.
The first 45 minutes ended as a cagey affair but Senegal took control of the second-half with several chances to draw first blood.
Just before the hour-mark, Assanee Mbodj had a double chance at goal but he did not cause enough threat for the goalkeeper Eric Antwi.
Extra-time turned out to be eventful as Badji broke the deadlock in the 107th minute after linking up with Niang’s cross inside the penalty area.
The lead was, however, cancelled out by Esso, who pounced on a loose ball in the 18-yard area to bring the teams level.
The game then proceeded into a shoot-out but Ghana faltered after scoring just one of their four penalty attempts. Augustine Okrah stepped up first but directed his shot into Pape Ndiaye’s hands.
Fatawu Mohammed followed but his effort bounced off the crossbar before Appaih Maccarthy scored their only spot-kick.
Justice Blay put the game beyond the Black Stars’ reach after hitting his shot directly into the hands of Ndiaye.
Source:Wires
