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Home Eagles fall to Black Stars in WAFU Cup final

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The Black Stars of Ghana emerged winners of the 2017 West Africa Football Union (WAFU Cup) as they walloped the Super Eagles 4-1 in the final on Sunday.

The hosts were already heading to the title with a 4-0 scoreline before Nigeria’s Ali Rabiu grabbed a consolation for the Eagles just before the final whistle went off.

Stephen Sarfo, who won the Golden Boot and was crowned Man of the Match, opened the goal feast a minute before halftime, before a 59th-minute goal by Vincent Atingah doubled their lead.

Sarfo added the third – his second of the night – in the 77th minute as Ghana completely took charge of the game.

Atingah got a second yellow card and was sent off just before stoppage time, as Winful Cobbinah increased Ghana’s lead minutes later resulting from a goalkeeping gaffe from Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Read also: Eagles edge Squirrels, to face Black Stars in WAFU Cup final

Rabiu then scored a fantastic freekick in the 95th minute to make it 4-1 as the referee ended the match.

Both sides had earlier met in the group stage with Nigeria winning 2-0 to secure qualification into the semi-finals.

Ghana have now successfully defended the title they hosted and won back in 2013.

Meanwhile, Ezenwa, who did not concede a goal until the final, was deservedly awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, while Ghana’s Isaac Twum was crowned the Best player of the tournament.

Niger Republic edged Benin Republic 2-1 in the third place match earlier on Sunday.

Ghana received the cash prize of $100,000 for emerging champions, while runners-up home-based Eagles got $50,000.

 

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