Ghana’s U-20 female side the Black Princesses, emerged champions in the Women’s football competition of the 2023 African Games thanks to the sensational Mukarama Abdulai strike.
The beauty of the triumph lies in the fact that it was achieved against long-standing rivals Nigeria, in a thrilling match held at the Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday night in the presence of a boisterous Ghanaian crowd.
This victory not only served as a repeat of Ghana’s previous gold medal win at the 2015 edition of the African Games but also emphasised a sweet assertion of dominance over the same opponents who had suffered defeat in Kumasi during the U-20 WAFU Girls Cup last year.
Oh ebi normal levels! Na we dey run am.😉🤷🏽♀️
June 2023, WAFU B U20 girls cup winners. March 2024, Gold Medalist, African Games! Omo, i bet you didn’t “CEDIS” coming!#StrongerTogether💪🏽 #ShineBlackPrincesses✨#BringBackTheLove 🥰 #Accra2023 pic.twitter.com/jqrzeJIBwi
— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) March 22, 2024
However, what truly added to the euphoria was the heroics of the night, embodied largely by Mukarama Abdulai, who emerged as the woman of the night and to a large extent the personality of the tournament.
Mukarama Abdulai, the talented forward from Hasaacas Ladies, etched her name into the annals of Ghanaian football history by scoring the decisive goal in extra time, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Ghana and clinching the 11th gold medal for the host nation at the 13th African Games.
🇬🇭Mukarama Abdulai scores a potential winner for the Black Princesses!!
What a finish!
🇬🇭 2:1 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/UJpoqRzz1q
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) March 21, 2024
Today, Mukarama stands as a celebrated figure, her heroism and contribution to Ghana’s success serving as a realisation of the nation’s dreams on the grand stage.
Admin can’t sleep! Take this hold body till morning! Our striker extraordinare, Mukarama Abdulai!
🇬🇭 2:1 🇳🇬#StrongerTogether💪🏽 #ShineBlackPrincesses✨#BringBackTheLove 🥰 #Accra2023 pic.twitter.com/vrKMRN0Tc0
— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) March 22, 2024
Moreover, the journey that led to this momentous victory adds an extra layer of beauty to the narrative.
Mukarama’s ascent from adversity to prominence stands as a testament to her perseverance, making her an epitome of resilience and determination.
Her journey to heroism was fraught with challenges and setbacks. March 10, 2024 marked the beginning of her narrative, as she faced criticism from home fans during the Black Princesses’ first game against Ethiopia. Despite the jeers and doubts, Mukarama’s resolve remained unshaken. With each subsequent game, she silenced her critics with her unwavering dedication and performance on the field.
Against Tanzania, where her own fans’ boos echoed through the stadium due to her wastefulness in front of goal, Mukarama responded with a match-winning goal, propelling Ghana to victory. Even as the criticisms persisted, her determination never wavered. In the final group game against Uganda, she once again showcased her prowess, securing a crucial point for her team.
It was the showdown against Nigeria where Mukarama’s transformation from villain to heroine reached its zenith. Her extra-time goal not only secured victory for Ghana but also symbolised her journey of perseverance and resilience. The boos turned into cheers as she wheeled away in celebration, embraced by adoring fans and teammates alike.
Damn. pic.twitter.com/bc8Lxd6j4p
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) March 22, 2024
The triumphant career journey of Mukarama
Mukarama needs no introduction in the realm of success as she has established herself long ago as a force to reckon in Women’s football.
During the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup held in Uruguay, she led Ghana’s squad as captain, earning the prestigious Golden Boot for her outstanding performance, scoring seven goals and providing two assists throughout the tournament. Notably, she showcased her prowess by netting a hat-trick in the opening match against the host country. Furthermore, she was honoured with the Bronze Ball award for her exceptional contributions on the field.
Even prior to her recent resurgence in the spotlight, she had already demonstrated her prowess with the Black Princesses. Excelling at both the U17 and U20 levels, she showcased her talent on the international stage, amassing a remarkable total of 21 goals.
Her resilience and skill extend beyond the national team, evident in her journey through various clubs. From Northern Ladies to Alaves and back to Hasaacas Ladies, she has consistently displayed her determination and ability to excel. Her achievements in academic institutions, including the University for Development Studies and Tyler Junior College in Texas, USA, also underscore her versatility and commitment to success both on and off the field.
Transitioning from jeers to cheers, Mukarama Abdulai has once again ascended from adversity to become a celebrated heroine, dispelling any notion that she was ever perceived as a villain.