Samuel Sarfo and Cobbina
Ghana posted a 4-1 win over arch-rivals, Nigeria to defend the West African Football Union (WAFU) title in the final before fanatic fans at the Cape Coast Stadium last night.
The Ghanaians scored in both halves, courtesy attacker Stephen Sarfo, few minutes before the break and added three more after recess through Sarfo and Winful Cobbina.
Sarfo, tournament’s top scorer with four goals doubled Ghana’s lead from the spot and scored a personal third also from the spot created by super substitute Patrick Razak’s foul.
Cobbina capitalized on a Razak pass after a rebound in stoppage time after which Nigeria pulled a consolation through Ali Rabiu with a terrific free kick in the dying minutes.
Ghana captain Isaac Twum emerged as the Most Valuable Player, Sarfo finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals while Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ezenwa Ikechukwu was adjudged the safest pair of hands.
Niger went past Benin to pick bronze.
Ahead of the final, Maxwell Konadu guided his side to record a 1-0 victory over the Gambia, 2-0 over Guinea, 1-0 against Mali, but surrendered 0-2 to Nigeria in the last Group A game.
Nigeria on the other hand defeated Liberia 2-0, drew 0-0 with Mali, drew 0-0 again with Guinea and later beat Ghana 2-0.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum