Ghana U17 goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie delivered a match-winning performance as Cabfix Ladies FC secured a place in the semi-finals of the Cheetah Cup 2026 after defeating fellow Division One side El-Wonder Ladies FC on penalties.
The goalkeeper, who has represented Ghana’s Black Maidens in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, was the hero of the shootout, scoring Cabfix’s opening penalty before making two consecutive saves to help her side win 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time.
El-Wonder Ladies started the game strongly and took the lead in the first half through Abigail Appiah, who put her side ahead before the break.
Cabfix Ladies responded after recess through midfielder Jennifer Mensah, who restored parity for the team. El-Wonder regained the advantage when Abigail Appiah scored her second goal of the match, but Cabfix continued to push and found the equaliser through forward Evelyn Adonu to force the game into a penalty shootout.
With qualification on the line, Belinda Maku Aklie stepped up for Cabfix, converting from the spot before consecutively producing two crucial saves to deny El-Wonder Ladies and send her team into the last four.
The dramatic victory came after a reshuffled Group B campaign at the Cheetah Cup, following the withdrawal of some participating teams. With Blackman Warriors and Faith Ladies pulling out, El-Wonder Ladies joined Cabfix Ladies and Valued Ladies FC in the group, leading to a revised qualification format.
Cabfix began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Valued Ladies FC before playing out a 0-0 draw against El-Wonder Ladies FC.
Valued Ladies later defeated El-Wonder Ladies 2-1, securing their qualification and leaving Cabfix and El-Wonder level on one point each in the race for the second semi-final spot.
A final decider was therefore played between Cabfix Ladies and El-Wonder Ladies to determine who would progress, with Cabfix eventually emerging victorious through the penalty shootout.
The Cheetah Cup 2026, which runs from August 16 to 23 in Senya Beraku, features both men’s and women’s teams, including clubs from outside Ghana competing for honours.
The competition forms part of Cabfix Ladies FC’s preseason preparations ahead of the new season as they continue their development in the GARFA Women’s Division One League.
Cabfix Ladies will face Nigerian side Fefcan Ladies in the semi-finals on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as they continue their pursuit of the Cheetah Cup trophy.
