CAFWCL: Evelyn Badu’s second half header sends Hasaacas Ladies to the final
Hasaacas Ladies are through to the final of the maiden TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League after narrowly defeating Moroccan giants ASFA by 2-1 in the first semi-final at the Al Salam Stadium.
The ‘Hasmal Ladies’ commenced on a very lower note with ASFAR taking total control especially in the opening 30 minutes of the game.
The Ghanaians had their first opportunity on the 8th minute after Evelyn Badu set up Veronica Appiah but her shot was too feeble to beat goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi after she had cut in beautifully from the right.
ASFAR had a clear opportunity on the 26th minute to break the deadlock after Ghizlane Chhiri had set up Sanaa Mssoudy nicely in the box but her execution was stopped by Grace Banwaa for a wasted corner kick.
Hasaacas Ladies opened the scoring account on the 35th minute after Doris Boaduwaa connected with a towering header from Perpetual Agyekum’s corner kick to hand her side the lead.
The Moroccans nearly responded very quickly after Fatima Tagnaout rounded goalkeeper Grace Banwaa but a follow-up shot from Najat Badri got blocked by Blessing Agbomadzi.
ASFAR finally with the equaliser just on the stroke of halftime. Fatima Tagnaout launched in a decent cross which was followed with a stunning volley from Najat Badri to level the score on the 44th minute. It finished 1-1 after first half
In the second half, ASFAR came really strong at their opponents with the mindset of getting a goal in the early stages.
The ‘Doo’ lads had a glorious chance for their second of the day after Evelyn Badu had located Veronica Appiah but her placing missed the post by miles.
ASFAR also broke from the right flanks, a decent cross was swung in but Najat Badri’s header went across the face of goal.
ASFAR goalie Khadija Er-Rmichi fouled Evelyn Badu in the penalty box after a blunder. VAR checked and penalty was awarded for Hasaacas Ladies.
Perpetual Agyekum elected herself for the kick but unfortunately, her effort went off the post and again she failed to nip on the rebound.
The UNAF Champions went into goal searching again but Fatima Tagnaout had her teasing cross covered by goalkeeper Grace Banwaa
And yes! Just what the Ghanaians have been hunting and striving for. Evelyn Badu scored the second on the 77th minute after heading into the net from a cross from Doris Boaduwaa to hit her fifth goal in the competition.
ASFAR in search for the equaliser broke on the right but Ibtissam Jraidi had her powerful drive collected calmly in the air by the Hasaacas goalie.
It finished 2-1 for Hassacas Ladies who have now cruised into the final. They await the winner of the game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Malabo Kings in the other semi-final.