Stephen Sarfo scored twice as ten-man Ghana trounced bitter rivals Nigeria 4-1 to lift the 2017 West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Berekum Chelsea striker Sarfo opened scoring one minute before the break before Vincent Atingah doubled the lead from the penalty spot on the hour mark after substitute Patrick Razak was upended inside the box.
Sarfo completed his brace when he converted another penalty after same man, Razak was fouled by Stephen Eze inside the box twelve minutes from time.
Three soon became four on the dot of full time when Winful Cobbinah latched on to an error by Nigerian goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.
Cobbinah’s goal came seconds after Ghana defender Vincent Atingah was sent off for a second bookable offence in the second half.
Nigeria though provided the final act in the tournament when Kano Pillars star Rabiu Ali curled home a spectacular free kick in the last minute of stoppage time.
Man of the Match Stephen Sarfo’s brace also took him to the top of the goalscorers standing with four goals in the competition.
Ghana thus successfully defend the tournament and claimed the $100,000 prize money while beaten finalists Nigeria go home with $50,000.
