The President of the Republic, H E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has gifted Black Maidens star Mukarama Abdulai GH?30,000 for her exploits at the 2018 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup held in Uruguay. The presentation was done by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Isaac Kwame Asiamah at the Ministry on Thursday on behalf of President Akuffo-Addo.
The President made the pledge on Thursday morning when Mukarama called on him at the Jubilee House to present the two awards – Golden Boot and Adidas Bronze Ball that she won at the tournament.
Speaking at the short event, President Nana Akufo-Addo encouraged the youngster to remain focused, disciplined and work harder for greater success.
In attendance were Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association, Francis Oti-Akenteng, MCE of Sagnarigu, Mariam Iddrisu, officials from Northern Ladies FC and Director General of the National Sports Authority, Prof Peter Twumasi.
The youngster scored seven goals and two assists in four matches to beat her closest rival Claudia Pina of Spain, who also scored seven goals in six matches to win the top scorer award in Uruguay.
Besides emerging top scorer and the third best player of the tournament, Mukarama cut a piece of football history in Uruguay by becoming Ghana’s all-time top scorer in the history of the Women’s U-17 World Cup.
She beat previous record holder and compatriot Janet Ayieyam, who scored six goals in two tournaments (the 2012 edition in Azerbaijan and the 2014 edition in Costa Rica).
On her way to winning the top scorer award, the Northern Ladies forward scored a hat-trick in Ghana’s 5-0 win in the opening group match against hosts Uruguay.
Mukarama scored in Ghana’s next game against Finland before smashing a brace against New Zealand in their final group match to take her group tally to seven goals.
In their quarter-final match against Mexico, Mukarama was on hand again by opening the scoring with a powerful header in the 47th minute but the black Maidens crashed out of the tournament after a penalty shootout.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
