Ghanaian forward Prince Owusu delivered a decisive performance for CF Montreal, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps and send his side into the Canadian Championship final on a 3-2 aggregate score.
Owusu was the difference between the two sides, striking once from the penalty spot and adding another goal before half-time to put Montreal in firm control of the semi-final tie.
The forward opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Daniel Rios inside the box.
Owusu stepped up confidently to convert the resulting penalty and give Montreal the lead.
He struck again in first-half stoppage time, finishing a chance created by Matt Longstaff to give the hosts a two-goal advantage at the break.
Vancouver responded strongly after the interval, with American-Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Sabbi coming off the bench to pull a goal back in the 58th minute.
Sabbi’s effort reduced the deficit and gave the visitors hope of overturning the tie, setting up a tense final period.
Montreal, however, remained resolute and protected their advantage to secure their place in the championship final.
Owusu, who was booked in the 41st minute, was substituted by Dawid Bugaj in added time.
His two-goal contribution earned him the Player of the Match award, after receiving an 8.1 rating and 63 per cent of the fans’ vote.
The victory means Montreal advance to the Canadian Championship final with Owusu emerging as the key figure in their successful semi-final campaign.
