Ghana 3-1 Cote d’Ivoire – Shafiu Mumuni’s Hat-Trick Sends Ghana Into WAFU Cup Final
A sensational hat-trick from Ashanti Gold striker Shafiu Mumuni on Tuesday evening has propelled Ghana into the finals of the 2019 edition of the WAFU Cup of Nations tournament.
In a pulsating semi-final encounter between the Black Stars B team and their counterpart from Cote d’Ivoire, it was Maxwell Konadu’s side that emerged as 3-1 winners at the end of 90 minutes at the Stade Lat Dior in Senegal.
The losers despite being the better side at the end of the first half had nothing to show for their exploits due to their inability to convert any of the numerous chances they created.
Ghana, on the other hand, grew in strength and found themselves in the lead after 38 minutes of play when striker Shafiu Mumuni’s back deflected a clearance into the opposing net.
Several changes at the beginning of the second half failed to bear any fruits for the Ivorians who conceded a second goal just a minute after coming back from the break.
Ashanti Gold striker Shafiu Mumuni headed home an inviting cross from Augustine Okrah. The striker went ahead to complete his hat-trick five minutes later when he jumped highest to power home another cross.
That goal completely took the match away from the Ivorians though they fought back to get a consolation on the 78th minute courtesy a free-kick sumptuously converted by winger Abubakar Doumbia.
Ghana, the defending champions will now face the winners of the other semi-final match between Senegal and Mali in the grand finale.