No joy this term for Falconets

Nigeria’s fairy tale story in the Under 20 Womens World Cup ended in disappointment as they lost 2-0 to hosts Germany on the final day of action.

An early goal from Alexandra Popp coupled seemed to put the Germans well on their way to another routing but the Super Falconets held on until the dying minutes of the game when an own goal from Osinachi Ohale sealed the doom for the Nigerians.

It is the second time Germany have lifted this crown – they were also champions in Thailand in 2004 – and it was fully deserved as they wrapped up their sixth successive victory.

Germany have made a habit of scoring early goals in this tournament and they made sure the final was no exception. In the eighth minute the ball was hit long and high from the right-back position and Popp flicked it on. Dzsenifer Marozsan, standing behind her, cushioned the ball before feeding a simple square pass for Germany’s prolific number 11 to run onto. Her surge took her past Joy Jegede and a shot towards the far corner comfortably beat goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan. 

With Nigeria – the first African team to appear in the final of any FIFA Women’s World Cup or Olympic Games - still coming to grips with the game, Kim Kulig came desperately close with a direct free-kick which just skimmed the bar.

Nigeria however stood very resolute and any thoughts the home crowd may have entertained about this being a formality after the early goal were swiftly dispelled as the Falconets raised their game impressively. 

Ebere Orji had been their best player so far and when she picked up possession down the right in plenty of space she elected to take it on herself. The angle was tight but the shot was powerful and Almuth Schult elected to turn it over.

Nigeria were now full of belief and after Helen Ukaonu had been crowded out the ball fell nicely for Desire Oparanozie who was only inches wide as she attempted to curl the ball in from her position to the left of goal. 

Germany were almost gifted a second goal to take into half-time when Jonathan kicked the ball straight to Sylvia Arnold who shot towards the left-hand corner. The keeper made amends with the save.

Nigeria continued in the same vein, winning some vital midfield challenges and forcing Germany back with their strength. Yet it was the home side who had the best openings.

Popp might have added to her total on two occasions as Svenja Huth picked her out with crosses. The first she couldn’t keep on target, the second ballooned off her chest and Jonathan was forced to claw it out from beneath her crossbar.

 At the other end Oparanozie was a constant menace with her physical attributes but the Nigerians’ final ball let them down.

Germany remained in charge: Marina Hegering firing too high while Huth’s shot forced a fingertip save and substitute Stefanie Mirlach demanded that Jonathan push this one over the top. 

The game finished with Germany well on top, Kulig scuffing a shot against the post. Then in added time the home side forced two corners and from the second Kulig headed powerfully towards goal. It came back off the post and unfortunately for Osinachi Ohale it hit her on the back before crossing the line.

The Aspire Football Dreams team from Senegal were crowned champions of the tournament

A team from the Senegal-based branch of ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence has won the 4^th Edition of the Ciociaria Cup in Italy.

The ASPIRE Football Dreams (AFD) team of 1995 beat the Paraguayans of Club National Lyd Asuncion 2-1 in the final.

The tournament, held from 24^th to 30^th May 2010, comprised 32 teams, divided into 8 groups of 4, with the players’ age category ranging between 17 – 19 years, the youngest ever in the tournament.

In their opening match in Group A, the AFD 95 team overwhelmed Sicily’s Catania 7-0, then went  on to beat another Italian team, Iso Del Liri, 4-0 and the Corsican side from Bastia (France) 2-0.

Having finished top of their group, with a maximum nine points from three games, AFD 95 disposed off Koper of Slovenia in the quarter-finals, by beating them 3-0.

The Senegalese boys were up against one of the strongest teams in the tournament, Hajduk Split of Croatia at the semi final stage.

The hard-fought game was settled by a 50^th minute goal from Ibrahim Drame. The striker’s total of 12 goals in the tournament would see him finish as top scorer.

The AFD 95 team then faced a well-organized Club National Lyd Asuncion of Paraguay in the grand finale.

Another tough game saw the ASPIRE Senegalese side emerge winners after beating their Paraguayan opponent 2-1 earning them the championship title in the process.

Commenting on this excellent performance by the AFD 95 team, ASPIRE Football Head Coach Michael Browne said:  “The 95 team performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament.

“They did not concede a goal during the group stages and qualified very comfortably.

“Their performance in the first game against Serie A youth side Catania was particularly outstanding and set the tone for the whole tournament,” he added.

The head coach was impressed with the performance of the eventual goal king, Ibrahim Drame even though he was quick to give credit to the entire Senegalese youth team especially with their brand of football.

The African side became the subject of a lot of interest from scouts from all around Europe, especially as they were two years younger than the other sides taking part.

Praises were also heaped on the technical staff of the Senegalese and were urged to do even more so as to uncover more talents that are abundant on thecontinent.

Ghana to name final World Cup squad by Sunday

Ghana’s final 23-man squad for the World Cup will be revealed by Sunday, Ghanasoccernet can exclusively reveal.

Only the 23 players selected by coach Milovan Rajevac will travel to play Holland in Rotterdam on 1 June.

In a written letter to all the 29 players who are currently camping with the team in France, the Ghana FA board revealed the coach’s intentions.

The letter exclusively seen by Ghanasoccernet was distributed to the squad on Friday ahead of the crucial decision.

Players were shaken to see the letter with some fearing the axe from the final team.

Source: Ghanasoccernet.com