The La MacDan town Park was full of excitement as the Ghana National Amputee Football Team, the Black Challenge. defeated Morocco to win the 2023 Amputee Football tournament at the ongoing Africa Para Games in Accra.
Prior to the final game, Ghana defeated Egypt after a 2-1 scoreline in the semi finals on Saturday. On the other hand, the Atlas Lions of Morocco had also defeated their counterparts from Angola in an thrilling game which ended 4-2 after full time.
The Black Challenge team came into the game fully prepared and motivated seeking revenge against their Moroccan opponents as the north African side had already beaten them 2-1 in the second group stage game at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) turf.
The experienced Moroccan amputee side also came into the finale with the aim of completing the double over the host nation, as they pushed in search of the opener in the early stages of the game. Their search almost yielded their desired result, but goalkeeper for the Ghanaian side, Alidu Seidu made some crucial saves to deny them the opener.
The crowd was silenced in the 38th minute when the visitors took the lead after they pounced on a mistake by Ghanaian midfielder, Allotey. Both sides squandered several chances as the game’s first half ended at 1-0, in favor of the Moroccan side at half time.
Black Challenge Skipper, Hamza Mohammed finished off a beautiful team move in the early stages of the second half to bring the game to level terms. Both teams chased for the winner but to no avail as the game ended 1 -1 in normal time.
The Ghanaians took advantage of a freekick infront of the penalty box of their opponent as Captain Richard Attah placed the ball low in the net to score the winner for the host in the extra time.
The game ended 2-1 as Ghana were crowned champions of the 2023 Para Games Amputee Football Competition.
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Story by : David Kwaku Dzaku | univers.ug.edu.gh
