The University of Ghana (UG) women’s football team defeated hosts University of Cape Coast (UCC) 2-1 in the opening match of the 2024 Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games at the Robert Mensah Stadium on Sunday, January 5.
Both teams struggled to break through each other’s defense in the opening minutes until the deadlock was broken by an own goal from UCC’s Emmanuella Fentim, giving UG the lead.
UG then created several clear-cut chances but failed to capitalise on them, including a brilliant pass from Genevive Boakye to Eva Amoako in the 35th minute. However, UCC’s defense intervened with a strong tackle to deny that opportunity.
UG maintained their 1-0 lead into halftime. Just eight minutes into the second half, UCC’s Priscilla Owusu equalised with a superb solo effort from the left flank, powering her way through UG’s defense to score. However, there were some criticisms regarding the goal, with fans arguing that the referee should have halted play as UG’s defenders were going down during the encounter with Owusu.
UG’s Eva Amoako then scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute, pouncing on a rebound to double the lead for UG. The final score remained 2-1 in favour of UG.
Amoako, who has been a standout player for her team throughout their friendly matches admitted that she was slightly off her game. She explained that the low supply of passes and the pressure of playing in her first GUSA Games contributed to her performance.
“For today’s game, I wasn’t at my best. My teammates weren’t feeding me the ball as much, but I still tried to do my best,” she said. “I wasn’t afraid, but this being my first GUSA Games was a factor. If I assess my performance, it was a bit below my usual standard, but I’ll give my best in the next match.”
During the match, Univers Sports’ Gabriel Tecco Mensah observed UG’s head coach, Tahiru Yusif Amuda (known as Coach Alhaji), expressing his displeasure with the referee. After the match, Univers Sports spoke to him to understand his frustration.
“I don’t like talking about officiating, but today it was very bad. It was obvious the referee didn’t know what he was doing. Consistent mistakes show a lack of understanding. Just look at how they scored their equaliser—pushing and fouls that were overlooked. Fine, they equalised, but generally, the officiating was poor, despite our victory,” Coach Amuda said.
The UG women’s team is known for creating numerous chances in a match, but this was not evident in their encounter with UCC. Coach Amuda attributed this to first-match jitters and a lack of comfort with the crowd. He is confident that the team will perform better in future matches.
“This is the first match of the tournament, and just like the Black Stars, the players were jittery. They didn’t have their best day, but I’m confident that in the next matches, you’ll see a different UG women’s team. Expect fireworks!” he said.
Meanwhile, UG goalkeeper Ruth Agudu made several crucial saves, helping her side secure the win. Reflecting on her performance, she explained that the game was tough, but her determination to help her team succeed drove her to make the critical saves.
“It was a difficult game, but we always believed we could win from the start,” she said. “Our team’s performance wasn’t at its best, so I had to work extra hard to help my teammates. I want us to go far in this tournament, and I’m willing to give my all to achieve that goal and bring the trophy home to our school.”
On the other hand, UCC’s Priscilla Owusu, who scored for the hosts, was a constant threat to UG’s defense. She admitted that while she created problems for UG, her performance wasn’t at its best. Priscilla also noted that her actual position is defense but it’s because of the GUSA Games she’s playing upfront.
“It was okay, but not my best performance. My natural position is defense, but due to circumstances, I’m playing as an attacker in these games,” Owusu explained.
UCC’s head coach, Prof. Charles Domfeh, also expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, particularly the goals they conceded.
“They played below expectations. I don’t know why, because the goals we conceded were avoidable. We’ve worked on those situations in training, but when my players step onto the field, it’s a different story. Since most of them are beginners, we need to be patient, but I believe they will improve,” Coach Domfeh said.
UG will face UNIMAC on January 7 at Pedu Seminary, while UCC will play UMaT at the Cape Coast Stadium the same day, with both coaches optimistic about securing victories.
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Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
