Goals in each half from Kwame Kizito and Stephen Sarfo handed Ghana a 2-0 win over Niger in the second semifinal of the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations at Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 21.
Niger started strongly and created their first real chance on goal in the tenth minute when Adebayor Victorien dribbled his way into the box, beating two defenders, before seeing his close range effort brilliantly saved by the keeper.
Ghana started to take control of the match and opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Kwame Kizito powerfully headed home a corner-kick from six-yards out, 1-0.
Niger suffered a further set back two minutes later when Kofi Dankwae had to leave the filed injured and was replaced by Ibrahim Mansour.
The Black Stars continued to dominate the game, but could not add to the scoreline before the break.
Two minutes into the second half Kwame Kisito should have found Ghana’s second goal when he broke through the defence, but he was denied in a one-on-one with the keeper.
The next chance on goal went the way of Niger in the 64th minute when Souleymane Dela met a free-kick from the left with a strong 14-yard volley, but his shot went inches over the target.
Ghana put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute when Stephen Safro turned home a low right wing cross from Samuel Safro at close range, 2-0.
Niger tried to find some consolation in the dying minutes of the game as they threw players forward, but they could find none as Ghana won 2-0.
Black Stars will meet Nigeria in the final of the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations at Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday, September 24.
Ghana (1) 2 (Kizito 31’, Stephen Safro 79’)
Niger (0) 0
Teams
Ghana coach: Maxwell Konadu
Ghana: 1. J Addo, 2. Frimpong, 12. S Safro, 5. Atingah, 6. Abbey, 10. Cobbinah, 18. Lomotey, 7. Twum, 8. Waja (11. Andoh 60’), 15. K Safro (9. F Addo 85’), 13. Kizito (14. Adams 76’).
Niger coach: Francois Zahoui Gagui Victor
Niger: 22. Losseini, 3. Lebene, 5. Adamou (14. Ganiyu 75’), 18. Dankwae (Mansour 33’), 19. Khaido, 8. M Daouda, 9. Hinsa (10. Halidou 67’), 12. Dela, 20. Hainikoye, 11. Victorien, 23. Boubacar.
Wafucup.com
