Ghanaian defender Wahab Akwei emerged as the hero for El Paso Locomotive FC, netting a dramatic late winner in their 2-1 triumph over Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old played a crucial role in defense for El Paso and delivered a solid performance throughout the match.
El Paso made an impressive start and took the lead just 10 minutes into the game. Beto Avila capitalized on a golden opportunity, slotting the ball into the net to put his team ahead and leaving Hartford Athletic stunned.
Despite conceding early, the home side remained resilient and stuck to their game plan in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Mamadou Dieng fired a strike past the goalkeeper, leveling the score before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw both teams battling fiercely and creating multiple scoring opportunities. As the match neared its conclusion, it appeared destined to end in a draw. However, Wahab Akwei had other plans. In injury time, he rose above the defense to connect with a powerful header, securing the decisive goal for El Paso.
His late strike ensured a vital 2-1 victory for his team, sealing all three points in an intense encounter.
