28.2 C
Accra
Monday, March 17, 2025
SportsMumuni hat trick fires Ghana past Ivory Coast into WAFU Cup final

Date:

Mumuni hat trick fires Ghana past Ivory Coast into WAFU Cup final

Hat-trick hero Shafiu Mumuni fired Ghana into the final of the 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations after beating Ivory Coast 3-1 in the semifinal at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal on Tuesday.

The Black Stars had the first chance on goal in the 10th minute, but Joseph Esso saw his 20-yard free kick brilliantly saved by keeper Eliezer Ira Tape.

Ivory Coast nearly took the lead in the 21st minute after a great turn on the edge of the box by David Fofana, but his pile-driver shaved the wrong side of the post.

Ghana had another opportunity from a set-piece seven minutes later and were unfortunate not to score when Augustine Okrah’s 22-yard attempt struck the woodwork.

Read:Black Stars B through to WAFU last 8

On the half-hour mark Ghana took the lead after a series of blunders inside the Ivory Coast box. Initially, Tape spilled a rather timid 16-yard shot from Okrah into the danger zone which was followed by defender Koffi Kouame’s attempted clearance ricocheting of Mumuni and into the net to make it 1-0.

The Elephants tried to find their way back into the game before the break but were unable to do so as they entered the tunnel trailing by a goal.

It was a blistering start to the second half from Ghana who scored their second goal a minute in after the restart when Mumuni headed home a sweeping right-wing cross from Okrah to double the lead.

In the 50th minute it was 3-0 to the Black Stars after a third goal from Mumuni, the Ghanaian captain completing his hat trick with another clinical 10-yard header after latching onto a left-wing cross this time.

Read:WAFU Cup of Nations: Ghana beats The Gambia 1-0

Ivory Coast attempted to mount a comeback and even managed a consolation goal in the 76th minute courtesy of a 22-yard free kick from Aboubacar Doumbia, but it was too little too late as they exited the tournament.

Ghana, the 2017 WAFU Cup champions, will now get a chance to defend their crown in the final of the Cup competition on Oct. 13 against either Senegal or Mali.

Source: ESPN

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

$347m cashew exports at risk as galaseyers invade farms in Bono Region

Ghana’s cashew industry, a key foreign exchange earner generating $347...

Ningo-Prampram residents to receive improved water supply from March 18 

Residents of Ningo-Prampram can expect improved water supply starting...

Bolt theft, encroachment hamper Tema-Mpakadan railway project’s April launch

The Tema-Mpakadan railway project faces a major setback as...

I focused on my studies to conquer mockery of my short stature – Aki 

Veteran Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki,...

Father and son killed after crashing into abandoned mini bus at Kalba

A tragic accident on the Sawla-Tuna highway has claimed...

Ghana Boundary Commission to replace missing markers to strengthen borders

The Ghana Boundary Commission (GhBC) has announced plans to...

MC Yaa Yeboah questions police silence on Kofi Adomah’s shooting

Media personality MC Yaa Yeboah has expressed concern over...

Related stories

Pep Guardiola hails Brighton as one of the top clubs in football ahead of clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts...

High expectations and family – Alfred Duncan explains why he snubbed return to Black Stars

Former Ghanaian midfielder Alfred Duncan has disclosed that he...

2026 WCQ: Black Stars begin training camp Monday for Chad, Madagascar games

Black Stars of Ghana will start training on Monday,...

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom acquires shares in Melbourne Victory

Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom has expanded...