Ghana U20 Women Arrive In USA For Pre-Tournament Tour

Ghana’s Black Princesses have arrived in the United States of America for a training tour ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan later this month.

The Princesses will engage some local college teams in friendlies at the California base.

Captain of the team, Mercy Miles admits the team has been in a lot of chaos lately “but everything has been solved. Management has clarified the issue and everything is fine now.”

Ghana crashed out in the group stages of the last edition of the tournament in Germany two years ago.

Skipper Mercy Myles believes “we will progress from the group stage, qualify and play in the final and win the trophy. We want to do this in honour of his excellency the late president Mills and our late chairman Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Ansah.”

News from The African Women's Soccer World

 IVORY COAST

Good Prospects For Ivorian Women's Soccer

 The president of the Ivorian Women's Football Committee,Bertha Adou in the company of her vice president Francois Kouassi  on Thursday,visited a site located between the cities of Bassam and Bonoua (40 kms from Abidjan), the site has been allocated for the construction of  the  Training Center For Sustainable Agriculture and Sport",a project that occupies an area of ​​20 ha and implemented by the Spanish NGO "Deporte, cultura y desarrollo ".

Upon its completion,the building will feature a swimming pool, two football pitches including one with a running track, basketball, handball and volleyball courts, dormitory building, a training room, offices, two changing rooms with showers and toilets. It will be a medium-term shelter for  women football teams and in the long run, serve as a training center for the reintegration of footballers who will learn a trade.

The future in deed looks promising for Ivorian women's football with a successful kick off of the women's football league and the qualification of the women's national football team for CAF Africa Women's Championship for the first time in the history the nation.

KENYA

Women Division One league kicks off in August

The Kenya national women Division one league will kick off this August with 12 ladies teams taking part in its debut season. The league will be divided into two Zones, Eastern and Western Zone and will see the winner from each zone gain Promotion to the Women Premier League next year.

The division one league has attracted teams countrywide, with Western Zone having, Suba Lakers, Victoria Ladies, Kisumu Leeds from Nyanza, Kakamega Muslim ,Eldoret, Kick to Life, Oserian Girls, While Eastern Zone will be represented by, Gaspo Ladies from Thika, Home girls from Muranga, Kathiani Ladies, Furaha girls from Mombasa, and Moving the Goal Posts from Kilifi. Elite Ladies will be Nairobi’s sole representatives.

FKF’s Doris Petra who is in charge of the league says the federation has decided to start the league in order to give more women’s team a competitive chance.

“We have noticed that women football has been on the rise and following the sterling performance by our National women teams, we need to tap and develop this talents,” she said.

FKF has envisaged a programme to empower women teams by training Women Coaches, referees, and team managers so that they can take charge of their own game.

SOUTH AFRICA

Absa Women's League National Championships Draw 2012

The draw for the Absa Women’s League National Championships took place at the Nasrec headquarters of the South African Football Association this morning.

The Absa Women’s League National Championships are scheduled to take place in Kimberly, Northern Cape with the Galeshewe Stadium hosting the opening and closing matches, while the AR Abass Stadium will be used for the group stages clashes.

The tournament kicks off on Friday, 3 August 2012 with the final scheduled for Women’s Day, Thursday, 9 August 2012.

This Under 19 tournament is now in its fourth year, having started in Tshwane in 2009. The other editions took place in Mafikeng and Richardsbay.

The tournament is a feeder to the Under 17, Under 20 and Banyana Banyana national teams.

All 52 regions of the South African Football Association hosted matches throughout the course of the season and the best players from each province were selected to participate in the National Championships.

Some of the Banyana Banyana players who passed through this tournament are Amanda Sister and Zamandosi Cele, as well as Robyn Moodaly, who are expected to feature for the Senior Women’s National Team at the Olympics against Sweden tonight.

Moodaly has also represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup Under 17 tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.

All nine competing provinces were all placed in a pot and a random draw was conducted to determine the schedule of fixtures for this edition of the tournament.

The current champions of the Absa Women’s League National Championships are the Eastern Cape having won the tournament in 2011. Gauteng won the previous two editions in 2009 and 2010.

“We are looking forward to the Absa Women’s League National Championships in August and we are confident that Kimberly will prove a wonderful host city and that our young female footballers will strive to give of their best as they aim to represent their provinces with distinction,” said Steward Masela, Absa Sponsorship Manager.

GHANA

Nigeria Beats Ghana in International Friendly

Ghana and Nigeria wrapped up the two-leg international friendly match series on Thursday with the visitors winning the final game 2-1.

After losing the first game 3-2 to Ghana on Tuesday, the Falconets came from a goal down at the Accra Sports Stadium to claim victory against the Black Princesses to hand each side with a win apiece.

Both sides used the games to prepare towards their participation at the up-coming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan next month.

Elizabeth Addo put Ghana in front after two minutes as the Black Princesses dominated their rivals.

But five minutes after the interval, Nigeria drew level when Desire Oparanozie headed past Black Princesses goalkeeper Margaret Otoo.

The visitors with eight minutes remaining scored the winner through Winifred Eyebhoria.

courtesy-michezoafrika,ghanafa,safa,fif-ci
 

Women's Olympic Soccer:More Work To Be Done As South Africa and Cameroon Stumble In Debuts

Jubilant Portia  Modise

The 2012 Olympic Games Women's Soccer Tournament kicked off with our Africa representatives,South Africa and Cameroon stumbling on their respective debuts. With butterflies in most stomachs,as they wait anxiously, hoping for an upset,Cameroon's Lionesses kicked off against Brazil with so much promise, having come close to scoring in the wee minutes of the game but as was  written in the stars,the Lionesses could not roar.

Brazil's star-studded strike combination was too high a mountain to climb for lowly Cameroon, who although fought gallantly, succumbed to a 5-0 hammering,  dished out by Francielle(7th minute),Renata Costa(10th minute),Cristiane(80th) and Marta(pk73rd,.88th).
On the other end of the isle,South Africa were  pummeled by Sweden by 4-1 with Portia Modise pulling one back with a peach of a goal from a 50 yard shot.

MIDFIELD DOMINANCE
Brazil executed a calculated tactical plan, a blue print of how not to play against them.With a 3-5-2 formation, the Brazilian midfield enforcers neutralized all efforts made by Cameroon by maintaining possession of the ball,accurate pass distribution and selection, marshaled by the evergreen Formiga whose vast experience brought a calming effect into the Brazilian team as she dictated the pace of the game with passes to the flanks which stretched the Cameroonian defense immensely, leading to unanswered runs by the Brazilian on the wings resulting into goals.

Marta had an easy day at the office with her silky smooth passes and mesmerizing off the ball runs which created tons of problems for the inexperienced Cameroonian defense.  Brazil's ability to execute set pieces to perfection dented all hopes of Cameroon making in roads in the game, when Francielle's spotless free-kick opened the flood gates for a barrage of goals later in the game.

ERRATIC  DEFENDING
One would think Cameroon's defense would have an answer to the lofted corner kick perfectly taken by Francielle,who connected with Renata to register the second goal,considering the aerial superiority of their defense, but that was not to be.You see, defending set pieces has always been a nagging problem for most of our African national teams and Cameroon is no exception. One wonders why to date, the problem is still prevalent. Defending effectively begins with the accuracy in positioning of player and ball,spacing between player and ball and timing of player and ball.Both teams erred in this department and the earlier this is addressed the better.

REGAINING POSSESION
Another aspect of the  game which should be mastered by both nations is winning back possession quickly, once possession is  lost.Had most of the balls lost been won at the same rate they were lost, perhaps the goal tally would have been less.Maintaining focus,composure and tactical shape should be the watch word of both nations going forward.

South Africa played some fluid possession soccer  towards the end of the game against Sweden but were plagued by their inability to regain possession of the ball in a timely fashion.Comparing the percentages in ball possession between South Africa and Cameroon, although they both played opponents with different playing styles,Cameroon needs to address this issue quickly in order to impress as the tournament progresses.South Africa on the other hand needs to build on the little they showed in this department by making their ball possession productive.

It is still early days  and our African representatives have nothing to lose but a lot to gain if they show up in subsequent games, having corrected their mistakes and buzzing with confidence.There were flashes of brilliance from individual players like South Africa's Amanda Sister and Portia Modise,Cameroon's Francoise Bella and Christine Manie but the collective effort and tactical discipline is urgently need.
 Keep your head up ladies !

Ghana U17 To Tour Germany,Nigeria U20 To Tour Korea

As part of their preparation towards the 2012 FIFA women's U17 world cup to be hosted by Azerbaijan,Ghana's U17s aka the Black Maiden are scheduled to travel to Germany on a training tour.

In the company of the likes of  Germany,China and Uruguay, in Group the Ghanaians are leaving no stone unturned in anticipation of  causing an upset at the world cup with the hopes of advancing from the group stages.Ghana plays their first game against Germany on September 23rd, 2012.

Also lined up for the Ghana women's U20 are two warm up games against Nigeria's Falconets in Accra on  Tuesday and Thursday. The Falconets will then fly back to Nigeria to engage some local clubs before heading to Korea on a two week tour ahead of the U20 world cup in Japan.

Nigeria has Korea Republic,Brazil and Italy for company in Group B.

Women’s Olympic Football Tournament: (Africa) Profile and team list

South Africa
 
The past
South Africa's nemesis in the Olympic qualifiers have long been Nigeria, with the Super Falcons preventing Banyana Banyana from going all the way in both 2004 and 2008. In the former, South Africa lost all four matches in a three-team group against Nigeria and Ghana – Ethiopia who had qualified for the final round withdrew. Four years later, South Africa again faced Nigeria in the final round and after drawing the first leg on home soil 2-2, then travelled to Abuja, where they suffered a 1-0 loss. This time around, they avoided both Ghana and Nigeria as Africa, for the first time, was allocated two qualifying berths.
 
The present
Banyana Banyana will be as prepared for the Olympic Women's Football Tournament London 2012 as any other team competing. The South African Football Association technical director of women's football, Fran Hilton-Smith, said that the national association had made the London Olympics a top priority. "The team spent several weeks in a training camp in Brazil and then participated in the Cyprus Cup." Although the team finished ninth out of 12 teams in that event and lost to Korea Republic and Scotland, they managed to beat Northern Ireland and drew with New Zealand. They also have a number of friendlies lined up before competing in London.
 
The future
"We want to promote South Africa women football," said Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza. "It is our first time in the competition and we will do our best to make a difference. We want South African women's football to be taken seriously. Technically and tactically, South Africa is ok. With good training and motivation the team will gel and go places."
 
Facts and figures
Former stars:Desiree Ellis (midfield),  Veronica Phewa (forward) and Joanne Solomon (forward)
 
Key players
Amanda Dlamini (midfielder), Noko Matlou (forward), Mpumi Nyandeni (attacking midfielder),Portia Modise(forward)and Janine van Wyk (defender)
 

Qualifying statistics
South Africa enjoyed an easy ride in the first round of the qualifying tournament, beating Zambia twice for a 5-1 aggregate victory. They then needed a penalty shoot-out to see off Tunisia in the next round before meeting Ethiopia in the final round, advancing to London 4-1 on aggregate.
South Africa Squad List
Goalkeepers
1    Roxanne BARKER
18    Thokozile MNDAWENI
22    Andile DLAMINI
Defenders
3    Nothando VILAKAZI
4    Amanda SISTER
5    Janine VAN WYK
6    Zamandosi CELE
15    Refiloe JANE
19    Lebogang MABATLE
Midfielders
2    Robyn MOODALY
7    Leandra SMEDA
8    Kylie LOUW
9    Amanda DLAMINI
10    Marry NTSWENG
13    Gabisile HLUMBANE
16    Mpumi NYANDENI
20    Nocawe SKITI
Forwards
11    Noko MATLOU
12    Portia MODISE
14    Sanah MOLLO
17    Andisiwe MGCOYI
21    Jermaine SEOPOSENWE
Coach
MKHONZA Mkhonzana



Cameroon

 The past
Like South Africa, Cameroon's women's football team will be first-timers in London. Previous attempts to qualify have failed, even Cameroon officials admit, because the standard of the women's game was simply not good enough. In part, the reason for this was because women's football in the country lacked the same organisation that the men's game enjoyed and this prevented the Indomitable Lionesses from reaching the success that they have now attained.
 
The present
Although the African continent has won only one match at previous Women's Olympic Football Tournaments, Cameroon travel to London full of hope and optimism. Winning the gold medal at the African Games in Maputo last year has instilled a belief that they can do well. "I believe in this group I have patiently built. We made it to the Olympics by eliminating Nigeria, which is one of the best teams in Africa and even one of the best in the world," said coach Enow Nagatchu. "It is the result of work that we started three years ago. I hope these achievements will increase the interest for women's football in Cameroon," he added.
 
The future
Last year the Cameroon Football Federation made a commitment to improve the organisation of women's football in the country. Although they have a first and second division, as well as a cup competition, there is still a lot of work to be done. A good performance at the Olympic Games would no doubt generate further interest in women’s football throughout the country.
 

Facts and figures
 
Former stars:Henriette Nzepang, Regine Mvoue, Rita Djob, Manuella Bekombo
 
Key players
Annette Flore Ngo Ndom (goalkeeper), Françoise Josephine Bella (midfielder, captain), Patience Christine Manie (defender), Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene (forward), Michelle Madeleine Ngono Mani (forward)
 
Qualifying statistics
The West Africans had no trouble overcoming Mali in the first round, winning both games (5-0 and 1-0). They then faced Equatorial Guinea in the next round and lost 2-0 on aggregate. However, they were re-instated into the competition after one of the Equatorial Guinea players was deemed ineligible. In the final round, Cameroon needed a penalty shoot-out to overcome a stiff challenge from Nigeria.
 
The numbers game
9: The number of goals Cameroon scored en route to qualifying for the London Olympics.
 
The numbers game
6: The number of games Banyana Banyana had to play to qualify for their first-ever Olympic tournament.
Cameroon Squad List
Goalkeepers
1    Annette NGO NDOM
18    Reine SOSSO
22    Drusille NGAKO
Defenders
2    Christine MANIE
5    Augustine EJANGUE
13    Claudine MEFFOMETOU
14    Bibi MEDOUA
15    Ysis SONKENG
21    Rosine SIEWE YAMALEU
Midfielders
4    Yvonne LEUKO
6    Francine ZOUGA
8    Raissa FEUDJIO
10    Bebey BEYENE
12    Francoise BELLA
16    Jeannette YANGO
19    Carine YOH
Forwards
3    Ajara NCHOUT
7    Gabrielle ONGUENE
9    Madeleine NGONO MANI
11    Adrienne IVEN
17    Gaelle ENGANAMOUIT
20    Henriette AKABA
Coach:ENOW Carl
 

source-FIFA.COM

Uchechi Sunday and 6 Others Cut From Nigeria U20 Women's Team

Uchechi Sunday

FIFA women's U20 World Cup silver medalist Uchechi Sunday has been dropped from the Falconets by the coach, Edwin Okon.

The  press secretary of the Falconets, Ejiro Femi-Babafemi,  in a statement on Wednesday in Abeokuta stated that the player was cut on Tuesday including six others to reduce the number of players in camp to 25.

Uchechi who plays for Women's FA Cup winners, Rivers Angels, and featured in the U-20 team that won silver at the 2010 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany could not be reached for her reaction.

She was also a member of the Super Falcons who failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.

The other players cut are Vivian Okotie, Lola Phillips, Bukola Ogunnoiki, Jane David, Tina Oge and Aguawaba Chineyem.

Ghana U20 Women's Team Set For August 9 USA Tour

The Under 20 female soccer team of Ghana the Black Princesses will embark on a training tour ahead of their world cup competition in Japan in August.

The tour forms part of their training schedule for the championships which begins on August 9.

Considering the poor performance of the team in Germany two years ago, the technical board has decided that a training tour in the United States will help prepare the team adequately for the tournament.

The team currently camps at the Ghanaman soccer for excellence in Prampram and will leave for U.S.A next week.

According to the technical director, Oti Akenteng, the board decided the tour will help the team to acclimatise and get the needed exposure before the competition.

“They have done enough work at home and we believe that when they are exposed outside with the kind of preparation they will get in U.S.A, they will be in good shape for the championship”

“We have seen them play in friendlies here and they have been positive and so the F.A has given a nod to that and the ministry is doing everything to make it a success” Oti Akenteng stated.

The Princesses are in the same group with U.S.A, Germany, and China


by Raj Abdul Salam

8th African Women's Championship 2012 Draw

The Confederation of African Football conducted the final draw for the 8th African Women Championship to run from 28th October to 11th November 2012 in Equatorial Guinea, at its Cairo Headquarters . CAF Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani led the draw process which saw hosts and losing finalists from the 2010 edition , Equatorial Guinea drawn in group A alongside South Africa, Senegal and DR Congo.

Seven time champions and current holders Nigeria will open their account with against Cameroon  in Bata on the 29th of October while Cote d’Ivoire and Ethiopia the other sides in Group B clash in the second match scheduled to kick-off at 5.30 also at Nkoantoma Stadium in Bata.

Equatorial Guinea will get the championship underway against South Africa in the opening match to be played on 2th October at Nouveau Stade in Malabo.  Senegal and DR Congo will play the second match of the championship afterwards in the same stadium.

 Group A                                             Group B
 
Equatorial Guinea                             Nigeria    
South Africa                                      Cameroon   
Senegal                                            Cote d’Ivoire
DR Congo                                         Ethiopia
 
 
The top two teams from each group will meet in the semi-finals with the final scheduled for 11th of November at Nouveau Stade in Malabo.

caf

FEATURE-Women's Football Renaissance In Ethiopia

The Ethiopian women footballers are keeping themselves alive in the Africa Cup of Nations. The match between the Ethiopian women’s squad and their Tanzanian rivals was transmitted through radio from Dar es Salaam, the Tanzanian capital. The radio commentator, who seemed carried away with his own emotions and lacked brevity and precision in describing the actions on the pitch, had kept listeners in suspense for quite a long while.

The Ethiopian squad was described as playing an attacking style of football and had created many chances to score goals. But, it was Birtukan G. Selassie’s vital score that saved the day to give a sigh of relief and an opportunity to dream about the future. That moment erupted with the joy and excitement of millions of football fans.
The victory can be taken as double-edged. This is a squad that was not accorded much notice for over a decade. The young girls, therefore, had to climb up the ladder to face the challenge of proving their worth to the officials of the Ethiopian Football Federation.

The other challenge was, of course, to try to win the match and earn a place among their African sisters, wearing their tricoloured jerseys. Both objectives were accomplished convincingly. It is only hoped that their victory will inspire them to take on the forthcoming challenges and make history.
Speaking of history, the result is historic for women of the nation, as they are not given due respect and recognition, despite their share of the population of the country.

Dinknesh (Lucy), the homosapien discovered in Afar Regional State, Ethiopia, is symbolically depicted as the mother of all, pictured and drawn as a beautiful lady. Ethiopia’s exposure to the rest of the world through Queen Sheba (who had made the legendary voyage to Jerusalem), Derartu Tulu, Fatuma Roba, the Dibaba sisters, and Meseret Defar are cases in point. Queen Fura, the notorious Yodit or Gudit as she is referred to, Empress Taitu, the founder of Addis Abeba who helped lead troops in the historic Battle of Adwa, also have special places in Ethiopian history.
Shouldering such a historical legacy, the way the Ethiopian women footballers played their game to qualify for the quarterfinal was simply magnificent. The small but pretty girls used their brains to outplay their counterparts by running faster and dribbling, as well as holding the ball before making accurate passes and kicks.

Most of them are said to have qualifications at the collegiate level. They have shown that knowledge is no less important than physical build, with most of them standing only 1.6 metres tall and less than 60kg in weight. Behind their victories and glory, it should be noted that there are always passionate individuals who have shown their unflinching commitment to do everything that can be done to win the game. The two coaches, Abraham T. Haimanot and Berhanu Gizaw, are owed a lot, while football fans who have endured through every past defeat are to be congratulated in earnest.
The women footballers were accorded a ceremonial reception by Ethiopian Football Federation officials, parents, and football-loving residents of the capital. A significant amount of money was also outlaid to be shared by the members of the squad and associates.

The reception was also crowned with news, which they were delivered upon arrival at Bole Airport. The news was of the triumphant qualification of the men’s team, the Walias, placing them only 180 minutes of play away from the next venue. The match was held in Benin. 
The Ethiopians had to play the game without the almost indispensible Saladin Said, the injured striker who made all the difference in the previous games, a household name these days.
The match was screened by national television. The rival team was outplaying the Ethiopian squad, and fans were filled with some degree of trepidation and uncertainty. Indeed, the Ethiopian players were advised by Coach Sewnet Bishaw to stand their ground and play defensively.

The Benin team took the lead by scoring the first goal in a matter of about 20 minutes. Their players were fast and filled with a spirit of self-confidence. That exacerbated apprehensions back home with every passing minute.
Ethiopian players could not put up much resistance to keep the Benin attackers at bay. The Benin players were much better in their skills and organisation than when they were here in Addis Abeba during the first match. The Ethiopian goalkeeper saved the team from embarrassment. But it was Adane Girma’s shot towards the final part of the game that made the difference.

Incidentally, the goalkeeper and the captain of the team, perhaps for the first time in decades, looked in the eyes of the referee and some members of their counterparts to speak their mind without fear or shyness. The goalkeeper in particular, newcomer as he may be, tried to optimise his time of keeping the ball in control, thus, calming his teammates in the process, a common tactic applied to consume as much time as possible. He was able to drag the game to a successful close even if seven extra minutes seemed to be extended (to the advantage of the home team).

The quest for ensuring Ethiopia’s rightful place in the history of African football continues. Victory can be sustained. Who knows, the Walias could emerge as a football power in the Horn of Africa to be reckoned with.
This is a moment that Ethiopian football could have a renaissance. Inspiration is at its highest. The Federation’s decision to make it a prerequisite for all Ethiopian Premier League teams to establish women’s football teams is welcomed. There should not be any wavering on that decision. Officials have to stand firm. Certainly, football fans will back them wholeheartedly.

By Girma Feyissa

News from The African Women's Soccer World

 IVORY COAST
The derby of the second day of Ivorian National Women's Football Championship between Omness Dabou Yopougon and Juventus ended in a goalless draw on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at the Robert  Champroux Marcory stadium.Juventus Yopougon leaders after the first day of women's football national championship, were held by  Omness Dabou after several attempts in front of goal, the league leaders could not break down the stubborn defense of their rivals despite the pressure they meted out to them.


The Coach of  Juventus, Zroho Michella's strategies proved ineffective against the well-oiled tactics implemented by the coach Omness, Eric N'Guessan. Ultimately, the international goalie of Omsess, Thiamalé Angel, was mecurial for her side with some daring saves which in keeping a clean sheet in an entertaining encounter. The Juventus side were disappointed when their star attacker, Estelle Nahi,  was expelled after fifteen minutes of play after an ugly tackle on an opponent.

Results  of the second week matches are as follows


- Juventus 0-0 Omness
- Rise 2-1 Lahou ES Abobo
- Eleven Sisters 6-0 Joan of Arc
- Olympic Djidjé Divo 5-1 San Pedro
- Colombes 1-3 Stella Club


Standings after 2nd week

1 - Eleven Sisters of Gagnoa 6 pts + 13
2 - The Rise of Grand Lahou: 6 + 2 pts
3 - Juventus Yopougon: 4 pts + 13
4 - Omness Dabou: 4 + 6 pts
5 - Stella Club Adjamé: 3 pts + 1
6 - Etoile Sportive Abobo: 3 + 0 pts
7 - 3 pts Djidjé Divo -9
8 - Olympique de San Pedro: 0 pt -5
9 - Doves Ebimpé: 0 pt -9
10 - Joan of Arc: 0 pt -12






By Ives Tiemele

CAMEROON

Cameroon Football Federation Lifts Life Ban on Women's U17 Coaches

The coach of the national under 17 women selection Fomum Victorine and her deputy Noukuiko Noundui Felix have seen their life bans reduced to simple blame letters by the Cameroon football federation Fecafoot.

The association had earlier banned the two for life from coaching in Cameroon for what they termed poor behaviours, accusing the two of receiving money from players before selecting them.

The two coaches wrote to the federation and demanded further inquires, which later proved that they were wrongly accused. Talking to SuperSports.com, the head coach Victorine Fomum sounded relieved. "Who will not be happy with such a decision ?,' she said, adding I had and will never receive money from any person to select a player because that will mean jeopardising the career and talents of youngsters."

In the meantime, the two were blamed for using their positions to establish passports for some of the players without express permission from the administrative unit of the national football team. However, Victorine said it was a way of increasing the chances of these kids acquiring the document on time since the administrative unit was slow in reaction. She added, in the past we've seen players failing to travel because the state could not obtain their passports on time, so I wanted to prevent that from happening since my team had to travel to Ghana for the world cup qualifiers.' On the allegations that they received more than was needed for the document to be established, she brushed that aside saying,"that is pure speculation."

The two thereby regain their positions as coach and deputy coach of the Cameroon women under 17 selection.

supersports


SOUTH AFRICA 


Banyana Banyana Remain  Posistive In Build Up To The Olympics
The South African Senior Women’s National Team (Banyana Banyana) remains in high spirits following the two matches they played on their tour of Germany and England ahead of the 2012 London Olympics stage.

The South Africans, ranked 61 st in the world, won one match and lost the other - going down by three goals to one (3-1) against Olympic hosts, Great Britain. The match was played in Birmingham, England on Sunday, 15 July 2012.

Russia-based midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni’s international experience came in handy as she scored South Africa’s only goal.

With the few remaining days before their departure for London, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will brush up on the lessons learnt on tour.

“It’s unfortunate that we went down to Great Britain before the start of a major tournament but we remain optimistic that we will play our hearts out when we the Games begin next week. But it was a good exercise in that it has given us an indication of what to expect in London, and we are under no illusions that we will have to fight hard,” said Mkhonza.

“ We should now use the time we have to prepare ourselves mentally as we now know what lies ahead. The defeat hasn’t damped our spirits, and we still believe we will be highly competitive against the top women’s football nations, and make our country proud. The players should now be able to build from their last encounter and focus on doing well in the upcoming tournament.”

The Great Britain Olympic team compromises of players from across the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

In their first match on tour, Banyana Banyana defeated German Women’s League side, Bayer 04 Leverkusen by the same score-line in a practice match played at Sportschule (Hennef) in Germany on Thursday (12 July 2012).

South Africa will compete in Group F as part of Team SA at the Olympics. They will face Sweden (No 4 in the world) in Coventry on 25 July, Canada (No 7 in the world) in Coventry on 27 July and Japan (No 3 in the world) in Cardiff on 31 July.

The other African representative at the Olympics, Cameroon, is in Group E alongside hosts Great Britain, New Zealand and Brazil.

Banyana Banyana are expected back in the country on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 to round up preparations before departing for the Olympics as part of Team SA. 


safa

 

South Africa's Bafana Bafana Beats Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Banyana Banyana’s Olympic preparations moved up a gear with a convincing 3-1 win over German Premier League ladies side Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Sportschule in Hennef, near Cologne, Germany on Thursday, 12 July 2012.

The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team will play their final preparation match when they face Great Britain in an international friendly fixture in Birmingham, England on Sunday, 15 July 2012.

Playing against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, captain Amanda Dlamini headed home the opening goal in the 6 th minute from a free-kick taken by defender Janine van Wyk. Fifteen minutes later, Palace Super Falcons (Sasol League Gauteng) striker Portia Modise collected a through pass from midfielder Mary Ntsweng, before striking home the second goal from 30 metres out, helped by a goalkeeping fumble.

In the second half, the Germans reduced the deficit with a well-taken shot put wide of Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker. Bloemfontein Celtics (Sasol League Free State) striker, substitute Sanah Mollo restored the two-goal advantage for the visitors after a powerful run down the right wing, which ended with her bullet-like shot finding the goal-net off the far upright post.

“The spirit in the camp is high with all of the 18 Olympic bound players, and the six reserves who will remain on standby in South Africa in case of injuries to the travelling players, working hard in training,” said Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza.

“SASCOC, SAFA and Sasol need to be thanked for making this training camp in Germany possible and the team is committed to doing their best when Banyana Banyana makes its Olympic Games debut in London later this month.”

The South Africans were further greeted by news of the confirmation of the teams to compete at the African Women Championship 2012 in Equatorial Guinea from November 4-18.

Banyana Banyana, whose best finish in the competition was as runners-up in 1995 and 2008, will be part of the action along with hosts Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Senegal.

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 NIGERIA
Omagbemi to join team this week

Assistant coach of Nigeria’s Under 20 women’s team, Florence Omagbemi is expected back in the country this week as the team intensify preparations ahead of  the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in August.

Spokesperson of the team, Ejiro Babafemi told futaa.com that Omagbemi must have been having problems with flight, and should join the team this week.

-I think she is having problems with flight schedule, considering the present weather condition across the world.

Ultimatum

The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday reportedly issued an ultimatum to the former Super Falcons captain, with Friday, July 13 as the deadline.

Omagbemi who is based in the United States of America was asked to report on or before the said date or face a penalty of losing out of the team that will head to Japan for the tournament.




Falconets coach drops five Players

Five players of the U-20 Women National Team who have been in camp sweating it out ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup have been dropped.

They were dropped by Chief Coach, Edwin Okon for not measuring up to standard

Rosemary Okoro, Juliana Osuji, Grace Eyebhoria, Ayeniberun Opeyemi and Elibor Charity were the unlucky players. They have returned to their various clubs.
Serious Business
-Only players that are good for the World Cup will be in the final squad. Like l said, we are not in camp for frivolities but for serious business. Our focus is to get the best that would do the nation proud. said Okon.

-As it is, no player no matter how good she has been guaranteed a place in the team. Every player must prove herself to be worthy of donning the shirt. He added.

With the players decamped, 32 players will continue to battle for shirts at the team’s Abuja camp.

The team has spent 10 days since resuming on July 1 for the last phase of training.

ssistant coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Samson Unuanel is full of hope that the Super Falcons will ride over all opposition to retain the African Women Championship trophy when the event gets underway in Equatorial Guinea later in the year.

Speaking to futaa.com on Monday, Unuanel said the team is aware of the development of other African countries in football, but are battle ready.

Defending Champions

-We are the defending champions, and we know the Super Falcons is the team to beat.  But we are also ready to keep the trophy over and over again.

The coach Kadiri Ikhana tutored side defeated Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors 4-0 to qualify for the 2012 African Women Championship in Equatorial Guinea in November.

The African champions qualified on 6-0 aggregate having won the first leg 2-0 in Harare.

 Finalists

Equatorial Guinea (hosts), DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon and Nigeria are the teams that have qualified.

NAMIBIA

Following the Brave Gladiators’ two narrow defeats against the experienced German Students team, coach Jacqueline Shipanga reckons the future of Namibian women’s football is promising.

The Brave Gladiators team that blended youth and seasoned players faced off against the German Students last Thursday in Windhoek and lost 1-0 before they once again lost by the same score in Swakopmund on Sunday.

According to Shipanga, the team showed great determination and willingness to compete against some top class opponents.

“This German side have some big name players, who are professionals, but for our ladies, it was about giving them a chance to play against some of the best in the world and it has done them a lot of good going forward,” she said.

Shipanga added that the youthfulness of the Namibian team bears testimony to the “huge talent” that the NFA Women’s Desk has discovered in Namibia.

“I believe that the youth structures since they were developed and introduced about four years ago, have really produced good players. Lovisa Mulunga is the captain of the national Under 17 team and Lena Noreses is the captain of the national Under 20 team, while many other talented youngsters have come through,” she said.

“They have all shown that they can play and thanks to the Gals and Goals projects that were supported by UNICEF and implemented four years ago, these girls have come through the Under 13 and Under 15 ranks,” she added.

Shipanga said the players had learnt a lot from football over the last few years on and off the field.

“It is not just about playing the game, but the discipline on and off the field that these ladies are showing is very commendable and thanks to our development partners, we can praise them for a job well done,” she said.

Shipanga said the Brave Gladiators will have another international game before the end of the year.

“The Women Super League will end on the first week of August and after that we have school exams. But we will still aim to play another international before the end of the year and will still decide on whom and when we will play again,” she said.

by Israel Ojoko

GHANA

Mas-Ud Didi Dramani is savouring the 'special moment' of getting to know the teams that Ghana have drawn for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2012.

The official draw last Friday for the 16 qualified nations placed Dramani’s Black Maidens in Group D alongside Uruguay, China PR and Germany.

Ghana, who will be making their third straight appearance at the World Cup are keen to go past the group stages after two failed attempts.

“This is a very special moment,” said Ghana coach,Mas-Ud Didi Dramani after the draw placed his team in Group D.

“We have to go away and prepare ourselves now.”

The tournament will take place between 22 September and 13 October in Baku and Lankaran. The top two finishers from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

For Dramani, the stage is now set for the Black Maidens to challenge their group opponents.

“Our fate has been decided and what lies ahead of us will not be easy,” he said.

The teams were drawn into the following groups:

Group A: Azerbaijan, Colombia, Nigeria, Canada

Group B: France, USA, Korea DPR, Gambia

Group C: Mexico, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan

Group D: Uruguay, China PR, Ghana, Germany

 
Ghanafa.org

African Women's Soccer League News

 KENYA

Matuu FC stretched their lead to four points in the FKF Girls Premier League after their weekend 2-0 victory over their opponents Mathare United at home.

The club is however a game ahead with both MOYAS and OGSY breathing down their necks for the title at the end of the KPL 2012 season.

Weekend Results

Sotik Super Stars Vs Galactico Youth 1, 0

Spedag Vs Makolanders 3, 0      

Kamaliza Eaglets Vs Thika Queens 0,3   

Matuu Vs Mathare United 2,0        

Spedag  Vs Old is Gold 1,2

Sotik Super Stars Vs Kisii United 0,4

 by Wilson Mathu

NAMIBIA

The NFA Women Super League has a new league leader as Okahandja Beauties had a walkover victory against Unam Bokkies recently.

According to the NFA women desk, UNAM failed to field a team of 11 players as thus gifting Beauties three points.

The result meant Beauties’ overtake the JS Academy at the top of the league table on goal difference as they both locked on 31 points although JS Academy has a game in hand. The Academy games are suspended until the end of June due to the large contingent of their players who forms part of the Young Gladiators team that is touring Germany at the moment.

Unam Bokkies however defeated bottom of the log Challengers 13-1, with Martina Tjauha with five goals and Zuleika Rutz with four were their top goal scorers, while Ester Amukwaya, Efeni Velikoshi, Saara Philips and Ndapewa Ipinge each scored one goal. Nicolene Doeses scored Challengers’ goal.

Unam Bokkies are now fourth on the log with 15 points from 14 matches, while Challengers are last and yet to record a point.

Juliana Skrywer of Okahandja Beauties is leading the top goal scorer chart with an 28 goals from 13 matches and is followed by teammate Kleintjie Fredericks on 24 goals, while Zenatha Coleman of JS Academy is third on 19 goals.

The Super League will continues this weekend and Poly Babes, who are third on the table with 25 points will play Unam Bokkies at 10h00 on Saturday at the NFA Centre and on Sunday at the same venue, Okahandja Beauties take on Challengers at 10h00, while Poly Babes take on 21 Brigade United at 11h50.


NIGERIA

The Nigeria Women Football League, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has concluded plans to host the maiden All Nigeria Secondary School Girls Football Championship, also called the First Lady’s Cup.

Hosted in honour of the Nigerian First Lady, Dame Jonathan, the championship, according to the chairperson of the women league board, Dilichukwu Onyedima, will help in discovering female footballers for the various national teams.

She said the championship would also help promote the game among the female folk in the society and assist in the development of the game at the grassroots.

Project Consultant to the women league board, Deolu Lamikanra, said the championship would attract over 1,500 schools while the preliminary stage holds in all the states before the final in September in Abuja. According to him, ‘’the championship should have been underway by now but still awaits the endorsement of the first lady, and this is due to her tight scheduled.

“We have already secured the support of the FCT on the project but as a mark of honour, we have to seek her endorsement before going ahead. But as soon as that is sorted out, we shall kick-start the project.

 

“We have briefed the Nigeria School Sports Federation but without the endorsement of the first lady, we cannot do anything. The schools are already waiting for the commencement of the championship.” 

IVORY COAST 

The national championship women's soccer began on Friday July 6 to Treichville Sports Park. In the opening match, the Joan of Arc Treiville bowed to the team Omness Dabou (0-6), when in the second match, Juventus Yopougon white washed  Djidjé Divo (13 -0).

Joan of Arc Treichville suffered the dictates of the Omness
In the first match between the Omness Dabou Joan of Arc Treichville, these are the girls from Dabou who were the strongest. Buoyed by their captain, Estelle Nahi, girls of Omness Dabou were quick to show their intentions. From the onset, the international Nahi Estelle broke into the opposing defense and scores twice  (2-0, 2nd-4th). Before the end of the first half, it's attacker Koko Angel bringing the score to 3-0.

On resumption, Joan of Arc Treichville had nothing left to bother their opponents. Unarmed girls Treichville underwent the dictates of their opponents. Three more goals were scored by Kouassi Nadège penalty spot (4-0, 61st), Estelle Nahi (5-0, 64th) and Koko Angel (6-0, 72nd).

Djidjé Divo, a victim of his lack of experience
This encounter being the second game served as the opening match of the 2012 season. Professor Cyrill Dah, Chairperson of the Commission of Sports Medicine, was alongside the President of the Women's Football Committee, Mrs. Bertha Adou, to kick off the meeting largely won by the girls from Yopougon (13-0).

Akaffou Rita opened the scoring with an individual display of brilliance (1-0, 8th).  Binta Diakite (11th, 23rd, 79th), Jeanne Gnago (15th, 16th, 30th), Tia Ines (19th), Koffi Nadege (53rd), Marie Jassy (57th, 63rd), Atsé Angel (65th), Nadege Esso (69th ) scored the last goals.

Promoted to the top flight this season, the team had no strength and determination against Juventus, which has in its ranks 70% of  women's national team players who all have several years of playing experience in the league.

Djidjé Divo was a victim of their lack of experience. "We have more experience than the  girls on the  Divo team," said the captain of Juventus, Gnago Jeanne at the end of the game.

19 goals were recorded for these two matches of the first day.

Olympic Games Prep:Banyana Banyana vs Cameroon Friendly Off Great Britain Friendly On

The international friendly match between Banyana Banyana and Cameroon scheduled to be played in Lille, France on Wednesday, 11 July 2012 has been cancelled. This is due to the Cameroon Football Federation not being granted permission by FIFA as their (Cameroon) application to stage the match was considered late.


The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will instead play a practice match against local club side Bayer 04 Leverkusen ladies team playing in the Women’s Football Bundesliga (German Women’s Premier League). They finished 5th in the league last season.


The encounter will now take place on Thursday, 12 July at 19h30 in Sportschule, Hennef. The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will no longer be travelling to France.


The South African Senior Women’s National Team arrived safely at Sportschule (Hennef) in Cologne, Germany on Saturday, 7 July as they conclude final preparations for the Olympic Games set to begin later this month in London.


“There’s not much we can do about the match, we were really looking forward to testing our strength against Cameroon but since it will not happen we will have to continue with our preparations. I believe Bayer 04 Leverkusen will also give us a lot of insight into how European teams play and we will go into that practice match with the same determination as though we were facing Cameroon. We still have Great Britain on our sights which will be another great experience for the girls,” said Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza.


The second match of the tour against Great Britain is still set to go ahead. The friendly clash will take place in Birmingham, England on Sunday, 15 July starting at 15h00 local time (14h00 South African time).


Mkhonza has re-emphasised the importance of using the time they have left before the Olympic kick-off wisely.


“With less than 20 days to the start of the Olympics, we are hoping to use this time wisely in refining our skills ahead of the Olympics. We must remember that we began preparing for this tournament during the Olympic qualifiers last year, we need to carry forward what we have learnt as we prepare to take on the world’s top athletes.” said Mkhonza.


“We have the support of millions of South Africans and we should do well by finishing what we started in style, we are the pride of the nation.”


Banyana Banyana technical director, Shakes Mashaba says that the South African Senior Women’s National Team has the potential to surprise the world and play magnificent football at the Olympics.


“We need to remain united, we have the potential to do above our expectations, and it’s all in the mind. We are amongst the number one teams in Africa, with the inclusion of Cameroon who qualified for the Olympics, we have what it takes to surprise the world and show them South African football at its best,” said Mashaba who addressed the players upon arrival in Germany.


“This tour will assist the entire team a great deal as we will be acclimatising ourselves to the European weather conditions and fine tune all we have learnt over the last year. We have to prepare ourselves mentally as we near the Olympic Games and we need to remain united as a team to achieve one common goal to perform at our peak,” said Banyana Banyana captain Amanda Dlamini.


Banyana Banyana, who now form part of Team SA, will begin their Group F Olympic campaign against Sweden on Wednesday, 25 July 2012 in Coventry. This will be followed by a clash against Canada on Saturday, 28 July and they will round off their group stage matches with a fixture against Japan on Tuesday, 31 July 2012 in Cardiff.


safa.net