FIFA U20 WWC- Beefed Up Bonuses and a Semi final Berth,Nigeria Continues To Dazzle

A day after the Nigerian Football Federation doubled the Falconets' bonuses,the results of the quarter-final match against Mexico is more than enough to justify the beefed up bonuses.The Falconets are believed to be collecting $1000 per win and double this amount is enough motivation for these young ladies to go for the ultimate.

Reportedly,the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, Aminu Maigari flew to Japan with the said "bonus package". The president also promised the amount to "graduate if they reach the final or win the trophy". He added that "money should not be a problem to them".

Against a steadily improving Mexican side at the quarter finals,Nigeria made their intentions known with Oparanozie and Ordega posing problems for the Mexican defense. Ordega had her shot deflected past goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago only for the goal to be disallowed by referee Abirami Apbai after the assistant referee flagged for an infringement. Mexico also had their moments with Huerta,Gomez Junco and Samarzich combining beautifully only to hit a brick wall in the Nigerian defense.

Nigerian continued to puncture holes in the Mexican midfield and defense but the much needed goal was not forth coming taking the game into extra time. Then came the 109th minute goal score by Nigerian striker Desire Oparanozie who  rose above her marker to power in a tailored Ugo Njoku cross,putting Nigeria ahead by a lone goal leaving the Mexicans dejected with minutes ticking away. The blast of the whistle signalling the end of the game sent the vociferous  Nigerian fans and players alike into an euphoric frenzy."Yes, Nigeria is through to the semis bring on whoever" says a Nigerian fan,beaming with smiles.

Indeed,Nigeria's performance so far is one to be mirrored by all women's soccer nations on the continent of Africa. With news about unpaid bonuses emerging from  the Ghanaian camp,who knows what a little bit of financial motivation would have done for the Ghanaians,not to say money is all it takes to be a winner,but had Ghana been tactically astute coupled with "a bonus package",may be the results would have been different.

Nigeria moves on to the semis to play either  USA or North Korea.

Double Action impress in Zimbabwe Tourney

Despite being knocked out in the semi-finals of the annual LM Auctioneers Women Football Tournament, Botswana`s women football giants, Double Action made a mark and impressed in Zimbabwe.The tournament has for the past two years been staged in Bulawayo, but was this year moved to Gweru as a way of taking women's football to the people. "We as the organisers have decided to rotate the tournament to other parts of the country. I promise you that next year the tournament will be staged in Mutare," said Lewis Muzhara of LM Auctioneers when addressing the media before the tournament.

This year `s tournament featured six teams from the Zimbabwean Super League and two teams from Botswana.

They included New Orleans, Mufakose Queens, In Line Academy, Black Rhinos, Cyclone Stars and the host Chipembere, while Botswana representatives were the national champions, Double Action and Meat Girls who lost in the group stages. The tournament started on Saturday with Double Action finishing second in a four-team group. They booked themselves a place in the semi-finals after smashing Chipembere 5-0 before they went on to shock Zimbabwean national champions, Mufakose Queens 3-0.

The tournament was sponsored to the tune of US$20,000 (P154, 000) under the theme "Making The Girl Child Smile Through Soccer". As a former football player with a passion for sports development, Muzhara saw it fit to help develop women's soccer.

"I was raised by my mother and the love she gave to me as a women is so amazing that I would also like to help raise awareness on the girl child by sponsoring this tournament," said Muzhara.  The road to the semis was a tough one for Double Action especially the final group match against the army side, Black Rhinos. The referee for the day ruined what could have been arguably the best game of the tournament. Double Action went into the semi-finals with a limping squad due to injuries among key players.

They included the all time leading goal-scorer Thuto 'Vera' Ramafifi, goalkeeper Peggy Segokgo, midfield maestro Thuso Lesaane, and Kgarebe 'Shuffle' Ramodimo. Double Action coach, Agreement Podi blamed the referee for their side's loss in the semi-finals against In Line Academy. "I am not happy with the way the ref handled this match, we lost not because my players didn't play well, but because of the injuries we had in our last match and some of the referee's decisions, " Podi said.

For the first time the cup crossed to Harare after the army girls came back from behind to shock Bulawayo `s In Line Academy with a 2-1 defeat to lift the trophy, gold medals and cash money of US$1,500. In Line Academy settled for a second position winning a trophy, silver medals and US$1,000, while New Orleans and Double Action came third and fourth, winning US$600 and US$300 respectively. Botswana players, Kitso Sheba and Thuto Vera Ramafifi both scooped the Top goal- scorer and Players' player awards respectively. Each individual award winner walked away with a shield and US$100.

KABELO SELELO
Correspondent

Italy Coach Corradini-Nigeria is Better Than Us

Italy coach Corrado Corradini has admitted that the Nigerian side, the Falconets were better than them, following their 4-0 defeat.

According to Corradini, the Falconets were a complete set and outshone his girls with experience.

As you can see Women football is still developing in Italy but then we are very happy that we were given the chance to be here. Without mincing words, our opponents were superior to and they deserve their victory," he said

Stressing that, "for Italy Women Football to develop, there is the need for the Italian Football Federation to ensure there is a professional league. There is a need for us to develop our professional league. If we don't, it will not attract professionals.

However, chief coach of the Falconets Edwin Okon expressed his delights over his team's s victory. He attributed victory to God and the Nigeria Football Federation, whom he said have been supportive thus far."The main motivators are God and NFF who have been massively supportive on the team and I pray at the end we willcome out victorious," Okon added.Nigeria advance to the quarter finals after topping their group. The knock out phase begins with Nigeria playing against Mexico on August 30th.


Ghana is out of the competition after going down by a lone goal against China.Despite the win,China has also been eliminated.

Ivory Coast Lady Elephants Commence AWC 2012 Preparation

The lady Elephants begin their first training camp in preparation towards the CAN "Equatorial Guinea in 2012." coach Clementine called 26 players, including four goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards for the training camp.

The African Women's Championship (AWC 2012) will be held from October 28 to November 11, 2012 in Equatorial Guinea. Ivory Coast will play in Pool B comprising of, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Nigeria.


List of 26 players shortlisted

GOALTENDERS

01 SAKI ABIE LYDIE (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
MARIE-DOMINIQUE THIAMALE 02 (OMNESS OF DABOU)
03 DJOHORE CYNTHIA (SISTERS OF ELEVEN GAGNOA)
04 somene ANNE-MARIE (OMNESS OF DABOU)

DEFENDERS

05 COULIBALY FATOU (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
06 COULIBALY Djelika (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
07 GUEHAI IDA REBECCA (SISTERS OF ELEVEN GAGNOA)
08 DOSSO Salimata MADJOH (SISTERS OF ELEVEN GAGNOA)
09 KACOU RAYMONDE (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
10 GAUZE LYDIA MARLENE (CLUB STELLA Adjamé)
11 K. AHOURE VICTORY (SISTERS OF ELEVEN GAGNOA)
12 KOUYATE Mariatou (SISTERS OF ELEVEN GAGNOA)
13 TCHETCHE Noukeu FERNANDE (OMNESS OF DABOU)

MEDIA FIELD

14 Akaffou RITA (FOR JUVENTUS YOPOUGON)
Koffi N'Guessan NADEGE 15 (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
16 LOHOUES YEBLE CHRISTINE (SISTERS OF ELEVEN GAGNOA)
17 Gnago JEANNE Alexise (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
18 DIAKITE BINTA (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
19 kokora SYLIVIANE (STARS OF SPORTS ABOBO)
20 BROKEN ANGEL (OF SPORTS STARS ABOBO)

Attacking

21 N'REHY TIA (INES OF JUVENTUS YOPOUGON)
22 Z. BANCOULY RACHEL (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
23 N'GUESSAN KOKO ANGEL (OF OMNESS DABOU)
24 ESSOH JEANNE NADEGE (YOPOUGON JUVENTUS DE)
25 Elloh AMON REBECCA (SISTERS OF ELEVEN GAGNOA)
26 GNAMIAN SANDRINE (STARS OF SPORTS ABOBO)

Zambia Women Set For European Friendlies

The Football Association of Zambia has finalized arrangements which will see the Zambia under-17 women’s team travel to Europe for two international friendly matches with the under 17 team of Azerbaijan. The team is scheduled to leave for Europe at the end of August.

The Zambian women squad has since set camp in Lusaka to prepare for the European tour. A total of 30 players under the guidance of Coach Albert Kachinga have reported for duty in Lusaka. Zambia will play against the hosts of the Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup in two matches. The first match will be played on 2nd September while the second game is scheduled for 4th September.

Azerbaijan will host the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup from 22 September - 13 October 2012. The Azerbaijan women are using the games to prepare for the world cup while FAZ is preparing the women under-17 team for the SADC/Zone Six Games which will be hosted by Zambia this December.

Confirming the development to www.fazfootball.com Spokesperson Erick Mwanza said “the Zambian women’s team’s European tour demonstrated the advances our women’s game continues to make. We are grateful to government and in particular the Ministry of Sports and Honourable Minister Kambwili for the wonderful support to the women’s team. The tour by our under-17 girls will help enhance their competitiveness and put them in good stead for future international matches as well as help them shape up for the SADC Zone Six games at the end of the year.”

The Zambian ladies missed out on a first ever qualification to a major tournament by any women’s team after going down to Nigeria over two legs in the final round of qualification. The Nigerian team which qualified at Zambia’s expense has since been placed in the same group with hosts Azerbaijan, Colombia and Canada. Africa will be represented by Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia.

Germany Breaks Ghanaian Hearts In High Octane Match

 The Flaws

Ghana put up a spirited effort against the much fancied Germans after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat dished out by the USA. From the blast of Japanese referee, Nami Sato's whistle,Ghana fought gallantly only to succumb to the last minute heroics of German super sub,Lina Magull who scored from a Dzsenifer Marozsan peach perfect pass,to send the Germans through to the next stage of the competition.A gutted and teary eyed Ghanaian team looked on in disbelief,as a nation of broken hearts applaud their efforts.

As the  German's dominated play with about 60% of ball possession,the Ghanaians hard tackles in midfield stifled the flow of the Germans game in transitional play.However, Germany's attacking line of  Lena Lotzen,Dzsenifer Marozsan and Ramona Petzelberger,managed to pick apart the Ghanaian defense only to be denied goals by the incredible saves of Ghanaian goal tender,Patricia Mantey.

A closer look at Ghana's game highlights their inability to convert  ball possession into goal scoring chances,poor shot/pass selection and the problematic defending of set pieces was the Achilles heel of the Ghanaians.They lacked foresight in how to exploit the lapses in the opponents play, a problem more tactical than technical. 
Nigeria and CAF/FIFA technical instructor,Chief Festus Onigbinde couldn't have spelled it out better when he said "Coaching begins where teaching ends". Unfortunately most youth coaches neglect the teaching aspect of the game and so leave young players  to grope in the dark.In effect barking out instructions in game situations become a useless venture.

Ghana is endowed with technical capabilities but have little or no sense of a tactical understanding of the game of soccer.This is where the teaching of the tactical concept of the game comes to play.Playing short one touch passes in small areas,exploiting spaces in wide areas,drawing opponents out of their defensive third,hold up play,off the ball runs etc. These must be taught if coaches expert players to respond to the tactical instructions they bark out from the side lines.


Although goalkeeper Patricia Mantey was brave in pulling off great saves,there is the need to improve upon her handling,distribution of the ball and her judgment calls in set piece situations.Defensive positioning in the 18 yard box  when defending set pieces is another area worth paying attention to. There must be total commitment to aerial challenges in the goal area.The full backs must be encourage to involve themselves in covering the wide areas when on the attack and must be alert and aware of their defensive responsibilities at all times.In order to prevent the breach of  the defensive line by opposing attackers,a compact defensive line must be maintained.


The  work rate of the Ghanaian midfield during the the game against the Germans can not go unmentioned but for their inability to create  goal scoring chances from open play.The engine room of Ghana marshaled by captain Mercy Myles failed to connect effectively with the forwards by exploiting the spaces created by Germans on the wide areas.There was no movement off the ball to draw the German defense out of position and most passes were played to feet instead of into space to trigger incisive runs by Florence Dadson and Candice Osei-Agyemang. Ball distribution and shot selection was sub par making it difficult for play to be switched from end  to end and shots at goal to be accurate.Combination plays must be encouraged to enhance creativity in midfield.

The attacking options employed lacked the killer instinct in and around the attacking third.There was no cohesion between the two forwards  which gave the German defense very little headaches although the forwards looked threatening on the occasions they caught the Germans napping in defense.
Again shot selection and judgment dogged the Ghanaian forwards.Shots at goal is highly essential but shooting erratically must be discouraged.In regards to Florence Dadson,getting the best out of her will mean playing her as a supporting striker and not as a lone striker.

Ghana won herself  quite a large following after the high octane game versus Germany and an encore performance is expected against China who seem to have discovered their form after sharing the spoils with USA. Despite their inability to advance to the next stage of the competition,bowing out with a win against China will  speak volumes about Ghana's future in women's soccer.The onus then falls on Ghana Football Association to invest in women's soccer so as to guarantee a successful women's soccer program.

By Rashid Gariba, Chicago USA

 

Kuuku Dadzie-U20's Lacked Tactical Play, Had No Depth,No Confidence

Ghana coach Robert Sackey

Ghana's coach of the 2010 FIFA women's U20 world cup team,Kuuku Dadzie was quick to voice his opinion about the tactical ineptitude of the 2012 U20 team coached by Robert Sackey after they were white washed by the USA by 4 goals to nil at the on going FIFA women's U20 competition in Japan.

Apparently,Kuuku Dadzie coached the very same team Robert Sackey inherited as both coaches led their teams  to play against the USA. In 2010,Dadzie's team came out with a draw whereas Sackey's team were losers.We get it, coming out with a point is definitely better than nothing at all. Let's not forget that Team USA U20 of 2012  has no Sydney Leroux  but has some equally gifted players promoted from the U17s and a core of the 2010 team and the same can be said about Ghana.In fact,had Kuuku Dadzie been  tactically adept,Ghana should have carried the day against the USA on that fateful day.

Yes Sackey's team faded after 14 minutes of  ball possession,they fired erratically,their top marksman had  just 2 shots at goal,the entire team lacked imagination,they lacked tactical discipline and the list goes on. But is it not the very same problem which plagued this very same team under Kuuku Dadzie ? A case of the kettle calling the pot black. Ghana has always been a technically gifted side by all standards, but has been dogged by the perennial lack of tactical discipline and the absence of a fighting spirit.

James Kuuku Dadzie

For the first time in Ghana's women's soccer history,Kuuku Dadzie failed to qualify the Ghana senior national team to the African Women's Championship final with a team made up of a hand full of  promoted U20 players  he took to the 2010 U20 FIFA women's world cup and the All African Games.How then can he criticize the team he once coached for being tactically inept ?Will Kuuku Dadzie then judge the present team by his standards if they are kicked out of the competition like his side was two years ago or will he recant his opinion ?

Even though coach Robert Sackey has taken responsibility for the loss in their first game,the competition is still in progress and as the team struggles to psyche themselves up for their next game against the Germans considering the fitness issues of some of the players,coach Robert Sackey will have to map out a strategy to contain the apparent German onslaught.May be a win against China will make the pain go away. Over to you Robert Sackey.

By Kelly Primus Armah

FIFA Women's U-20 WC-Nigeria Convincing, Ghana not so Much

The FIFA women's U-20 world cup kicked of with Ghana and Nigeria representing the continent of Africa.Both nations go to the world cup bursting with confidence and the well wishes of the entire continent spurring them on.

Nigeria made their intentions known when the beat South Korea by 2 goals to nil in a pulsating match which saw the Nigerians dominate proceedings as their vociferous fans chanted" All we are saying,Give us more goals" and so did the Falconets  respond with goals by Ngozi Okobi and Desire Oparanozie.

The Falconets executed their tactical plan to perfection.They attacked the South Koreans from the blast of the whistle by stifling the play of the South Korean  midfield and thereby cutting short the supply of balls to the S.Korean attack.The pace of the S.Koreans was  more of a myth than reality as Nigeria proved to be the quicker of the two sides.This win puts a spring in the step of the Nigerians going forward as they hope sit on top of  Group B,where Italy drew with Brazil.

Ghana however were walloped by USA by 4 goals to nil in a game which saw Ghana conceding an early own goal by Linda Addai, ending the first half with the 1 goal deficit.The second half saw the Ghanaians show a slight glimpse of brilliance in the passing game but a lack of fire power to convert their shots into goals coupled with the erratic shooting demonstrated by the Ghanaian  forwards. The Americans wasted no time  in the second half  when Penn States powerful striker,Maya Hayes gave the Ghanaian defense a torrid time with her incisive runs which exposed the defensive lapses in the Ghanaian defense.Maya Hayes  bagged a hat trick  to send the dejected Ghanaians back to the drawing board.

The tale of two nations continues with Africa's serial representatives Nigeria and Ghana at the world cup.As Nigeria's campaign begun with a convincing win,Ghana hopes to emulate the example of Nigeria.The onus then falls on the technical team headed by coach Robert Sackey to device a method of unlocking the defense of Germany who earlier on beat China by 4-0 in their next game or Robert Sackey's goal of a semi-final berth can be deemed a pipe dream.

Next match- Group D
Ghana vs Germany-8/23
USA   vs  China

Group B
Italy vs Nigeria-8/26
Korea Republic vs  Brazil

Black Rhinos Queens Vow To Wrestle L&M Autioneers Trophy From New Orleans

BLACK Rhinos Queens have vowed to wrestle the L&M Auctioneers Cup trophy from holders New Orleans when the third edition of the tournament gets underway at Mkoba Teachers College in Gweru this morning.

Rhinos are currently in fourth position on the Marange Resources Women Soccer National League table.

Head coach Weddington Chinyan'anya said they would be missing some regular players who are currently away on military training.

Talent Mandaza, Faith Samende, Shupi Juwawo, Patience Mujuru and Lorraine Handina are the players who will be missing from the Rhinos' fold.

"During the L&M Auctioneers Cup, my appeal to the referees is to handle the matches with fairness, applying the rules of the games.

"Match officials must not decide the outcome of the games, as evidenced in the league matches, especially the ones pitting rival teams," Chinyan'anya said.

He said his troops were ready to meet any team. Rhinos will be banking on the experience of Viola Ndlovu, Violet Bepete, Tariro Makombe, captain Kudakwashe Basopo, Adiglade Bhamu, Rutendo Makore and Rufaro Machingura.

by Roy Matiki

FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking- August 2012 Release

FIFA today released the FIFA/Coca Cola women's world ranking and it's no doubt who sits comfortably on top of the world-USA. The good news for Africa perhaps will be the rise South Africa who rose to  56th in the world. Cameroon holds on to the 2nd best spot in Africa whiles South Africa is 4th best. Nigeria remains number 1 in Africa whiles Ghana slips to 3rd.

Other African countries who also made significant gains up the world ranking ladder are  Senegal,Equatorial Guinea,Zimbabwe,Ethiopia,Botswana,Zambia,Malawi,Mozambique and Tanzania.Below is the top 20 CAF ranking.

Next Release 07 Dec 2012

Aug 2012

	Rnk	Zon. Rnk	Team	Pts	+/- Pos
	27	1	Nigeria	1675	0
	50	2	Cameroon	1470	0
	51	3	Ghana	1459	0
	56	4	South Africa	1412	5
	62	5	Equatorial Guinea	1371	1
	68	6	Côte d'Ivoire	1343	-1
	70	7	Morocco	1330	0
	73	8	Tunisia	1325	0
	74	9	Algeria	1320	0
	79	10	Senegal	1295	2
	83	11	Egypt	1289	0
	90	12	Mali	1204	0
	94	13	Zimbabwe	1191	2
	101	14	Ethiopia	1158	1
	104	15	Angola	1134	0
	106	16	Congo DR	1113	0
	113	17	Guinea	1063	1
	114	18	Namibia	1017	1
	119	19	Tanzania	941	1
	119	20	Zambia	941	3

click here for full CAF ranking or click for world ranking table

African Women's Soccer News

 South Africa

The South African Senior Women’s National team, Banyana Banyana will be looking to utilise their recent London Olympics experience in the forthcoming Eighth Edition of the African Women’s Championships (AWC) in Equatorial Guinea where they will compete against the continent’s best from 28 October - 11 November 2012.

The AWC tournament will be played at the Nkoantoma Stadium in Bata and the Nouveau Stade in Malabo, the venue for some of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations games.

Banyana Banyana has been drawn in group A alongside hosts Equatorial Guinea, Senegal and DR Congo. Group B will consist of reigning champions Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Cote d’Ivoire.

The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will be looking to pick up from where they left off when they held World Champions Japan to a goalless draw in their last Olympic game.

Banyana Banyana head coach, Joseph Mkhonza said he would like to pick up from where the squad left off in London. Three top countries will represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada in 2015.



Kenya
Six Star Matuu girls humiliate Spedag
Kenyan women premier league leaders Matuu girls on Sunday took their point tally to 43 with a 6-0 thumping of Spedag at Matuu Memorial to move four points clear at the top of the table.

The side from Eastern province has continued their magnificent run picking from where they left in the first leg and winning all their 5 second leg games including convincing wins against Galactico and Western Commandos last weekend.

Coach Philip Ndoo has expressed optimisms his young side can go all the way and win their first title.

“We have two away matches and two home matches and a further two others to follow. Maintaining our normal style of play will deliver us the title. My young players are also playing with confidence, which gives us the much needed edge,” said the coach.

In another match played over the weekend, second placed MOYAS beat Makolandas 5-0 to take their point tally to 39.Fifth placed Kisii United  with 29 points lost 3-2 at home to Old is gold .

Results
Matuu 6-0 Spedag
MOYAS 5-0 Makolandas
Kisii United 2-3 Old is gold


Nigeria
The U-20 Women National Team, Falconets  arrived in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, on Wednesday ahead of this year's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup finals.

The Media Officer of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Demola Olajire said after a road trip from their Namhae Sports Park Hotel, the Falconets will fly from the Gimpo International Airport in Seoul aboard All Nippon Airways (Japanese airliner) for the six-hour trip to Tokyo.

He said the delegation is made up of 21 players and 11 officials, and will be led by the Chief Technical Officer of the Nigeria Football Federation, Abdul-Rafiu Yusuf, a former Nigeria international striker.


Namibia 

The popular SPAR/NFA Galz & Goals Leagues are to take a break for the upcoming school holidays before resuming in the next school term.

According to the leagues' national coordinator Jackey Gertze, the main participants in these games are school-going girls, hence the importance for them to enjoy their well deserved break.

"There is a tremendous increase in the number of teams participating in the leagues this year. Windhoek SPAR/NFA G&G alone operates at 33 schools and academy teams. Rundu SPAR/NFA G&G has 14 teams, Gobabis 13, Keetmaanshop 14, Swakopmund 11, Eehnana 16 and Okahandja 15, which brings the total to 116 U-13 and U-15 teams from all over the country from June-October this year."

Gertze added that Unicef Namibia is once again committed to assisting the NFA to expand the programme to Otjiwarongo and Mariental in October later this year.

African Women's Soccer News

IVORY COAST

Omness and Juventus route opponents In Ivorian National Women's Football LeagueOmness Dabou crushed ES Abobo by 11-0 in the sixth week fixture of the Ivorian national league on Friday, August 10 at Robert Champroux Stadium to clinch second spot on the league table.Meanwhile league favorites Juventus thumped Olympic Yopougon San Pedro by 15-0 in a one sided game.Doves Ebimpe lost to Djidje Divo by 3 goals to 1.
Other matches scheduled for Saturday August 11, are as follows; Eleven Sisters will take on
 Stella Club whiles Joan D'Arc lock horns with Lahou Ebimpe.

CAMEROON
The 13th week of soccer in the women's Division 1 league kicks off with fans itching to see the return of players who featured for the Cameroon women's national team at the 2012 London Olympics.Matches lined up for the First Division National Women's Football Championship are as follows;
Sunday, August 12, 2012.
FC Girls Lorema Ydé vs A.S. Police of Yaounde

Monday, August 13, 2012
AS Locomotive vs Yaounde Scorpio Moungo
Canon Sportif of Yaounde vs Femina Stars Ebolowa
Franck Rohliceck School of Douala Yaounde vs Louves MINPROFF
ASFF DU DIAMARE vs Gentile Ladies de Bamenda

NIGERIA
Falconets Cruise to 4-1 win In World Cup Warm Up Match

NIGERIA'S U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, yesterday continued their build up to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 4-1 victory over Widek University female team in a warm up match played at the Namhae Public Stadium in Korea.

Nigeria goals were scored by Ebere Orji, Charity Adule, Chisom Henry and Asisat Oshoala in both halves of the encounter.

First Assistant Coach, Florence Omagbemi, commended the level of opposition saying: “It was a good game for our team and a good build up to the World Cup. So far we are satisfied with the sides that we have played since coming to Korea.“

by Israel Ojoko

SOUTH AFRICA

Gauteng wins the AWL National Championships 2012 title 
A hat-trick by Palesa Mvala of North West was not enough to stop Gauteng from lifting the Absa Women’s League National Championships 2012 title.

Nine goals were scored in the final which was played on Thursday, 09 August 2012 at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley, Northern Cape – a fitting way to celebrate Women’s Day.

It was third time lucky for Gauteng who lifted the trophy in 2009, 2010 and 2012 – with Eastern Cape winning it in 2011.

Gauteng defeated surprise package of the tournament North West by six goals to three (6-3).

The champions made their intentions very clear when they took the lead in the 11 th minute through Mavhungu Manyanya, before Mvala equalised four minutes later.

Maria Lebusa celebrated her 17 th birthday with a goal that restored Gauteng’s lead as they went to the break.

Mvala kept her side in the hunt for the title with her second strike shortly after the restart but Belina Sibisi – chosen as the Player of the Tournament – put Gauteng back in control with a goal in the 42 nd minute. Four minutes later, Prudence Setuasi stretched the lead to 4-2, and a double strike by Agnes Manzini put the result beyond doubt with Mvala scoring in-between the goals.

Gauteng won 6-3.

Among others, the match was attended South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National Executive Members (NEC) Theodore Khupe, Nomsa Mahlangu, Sam Masitenyane and Lefore Lerefole, as well as SAFA CEO Dr Robin Petersen.

“We are thrilled with the way the tournament unfolded despite the bitingly-cold conditions throughout the week. What we saw today was a great improvement from the time this tournament was launched four years ago,” said Masitenyane, who is also the Chairperson of the SAFA Competitions Committee.

“It is obvious that Banyana Banyana has inspired many of the girls here because we now see the number of players is growing across the country. But we would still love to see parents supporting their children so we can make this a family affair. And we also call upon the corporate world to come on board to help us develop these players for the sake of our national teams.”

The tournament has been sponsored by Absa since its inception in 2009.

“Development of women’s football is very important to us, and we are glad to have been part of the improvement over the years. What we saw during this week are future national team players and they need all the support they can get from all of us,” said Steward Masela, Absa Sponsorship Manager, who was also among the crowd.

“It is also a fitting tribute to all women that nine goals were scored on the 9 th of August when we celebrate Women’s Day.”

Earlier in the day, Free State claimed bronze after defeating KwaZulu Natal by one goal to nil (1-0) in the third place play-off.

Shiwe Nogwanya scored the solitary goal to take her tally to nine in the tournament, helping her scoop the Top Goal Scorer award.

African Women's Soccer News

GHANA

Ghana's women u20 coach sets quarter final target at FIFA  women's U20 World Cup
Ghana, two years ago in Germany, made their debut appearance at the finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup but exited in the group stage.

This time round in Japan, coach Robert Sackey has set his sights on putting his mark on the tournament which has paired the Black Princesses against two-time champions, the United States, China PR and reigning champions Germany in Group D.

“Realistically speaking our first ambition is to get to the quarter-finals. If we manage that then of course we’ll be aiming for the trophy,” an optimistic Sackey said.



NIGERIA

  

FIFA U-20 Women World Cup - Supporters Club Appeals for Early Visas Issuance
President General of Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo has made a passionate appeal to the Japanese embassy not to delay the issuance of visas to members of his club that are preparing to go to Japan and support Nigeria's female U-20 team known as "Falconets" in this year's FIFA women U-20 World Cup to be hosted by the country from August 19- September, 8, 2012.

Ladipo said, members of the club had in the past two weeks been appealing to the Japanese Embassy for visasand the need to issue them on time to enable the team travel to the Asian nation on August 14 and be part of the opening ceremony.

He noted that the appeal became necessary so as to avoid a repeat of the club's experience when they were issued visas late during 2002 Korea /Japan World Cup that made them miss some of the matches involving the Super Eagles.

Super Falcon's Coach Confident of Lifting AWC Trophy

Coach of Super Falcons Kadiri Ikhana has hailed the level of discipline existing among his players as they intense preparation ahead of the forthcoming African Women Championship slated for Equatorial Guinea, saying the trophy will not elude Nigeria.
The former Nigerian international maintained that the culture of discipline among the players has made his job easy, adding that, his "girls have learnt fast and with much zeal".

According to Ikhana: "If there is anything that I have appreciated so far since my taking over of the Super Falcons job, it is the discipline among the players which has made my job very easy.

"The girls are very eager to learn and they learn very fast, because all of them want to prove a point and make good name for the country and for themselves. And they know the only way to achieve that is through hard work, hence the success we have recorded so far in our preparations."


SOUTH AFRICA

Group A last four decided while Group B remains open in the AWL National Championships 2012

Group A’s Gauteng and the North West have both qualified for the semi-final of the 2012 Absa Women’s League National Championships currently underway at the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberly, Northern Cape.

Group B is a three-horse race with one match left.

Gauteng took pole position when they won one match and drew the other on Day 3, Sunday, 05 August 2012.

In the first match of the day, they beat hosts Northern Cape by three goals to one (3-1), before returning in the afternoon to be held to a two-all (2-2) draw by North West.

Leticia Mahlasela, Agnes Manzini and Mavhungu Manyanya grabbed the goals for Gauteng with Meliza Kruger getting the consolation goal for the home side. Kruger has now scored in all the three matches her side has played.

Prudence Setuasi and Manyanya were on the score sheet for Gauteng in the second match, while Tshenolo Dikome hit a brace to secure a draw for her side.

The Western Cape also experienced mixed results on Sunday, winning one and losing the other. In the first match they defeated North West by two goals to nil (2-0) – goals by Seleko Nthabeleng and Tokailwe Tsalaemang - then went on to lose by four goals to two (4-2) against Mpumalanga in the afternoon. This was Mpumalanga first win in three outings.

A brace from Lerato Mahamotsa and two more goals from Mbalenhle Nhlanhla and Nonhlanhla Mhlambi was enough to secure victory for Mpumalanga – with Sandisiwe Mngqumeva and Kun Hiss scoring for the Western Cape.

Gauteng and North West are on seven points each – but the Gauteng side has one match in hand, just like the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga, who have all been eliminated as they are sitting on three points each, and can only get to six.

Group B is a very closely-contested affair with Free State and KwaZulu Natal joint on four points each in first and second place respectively. They both feature in the top-of-the table clash on Tuesday, 7 August, and one could be danger of not qualifying with Limpopo breathing down their necks in third place.

Limpopo, which has two points, faces the Eastern Cape which hasn’t won a match.

Free State occupied top position following a five one (5-1) win over Eastern Cape courtesy of four goals from captain Shiwe Nogwanya, with the other coming from Dimakatso Mangaliso. Eastern Cape’s consolation goal was scored by substitute Phelokazi Godo. KwaZulu Natal could only manage a point from their one-all (1-1) draw against Limpopo – Sthembile Shange and Katlego Matlou the goals scorers.



NAMIBIA

Mulunga Best Player as JS Academy wins Super League
The JS Academy on Saturday won the Women Super League and saw their defender Lovisa Mulunga voted Player of the Season on Sunday afternoon.

The Jacqueline Shipanga Academy need just a point to win the league coming into the final round of matches and empathically dispatched off 21 BDC United 5-1 on Saturday at the Eldorado Field to clinch the title with 49 points.

Poly Babes also won their Saturday fixture against UNAM Bokkies 8-1 to move into second place ahead of Okahandja Beauties on 43 points.

But on Sunday, Beauties hammered UNAM 9-0 win retain second place with a superior goal-difference off Babes who went onto lose 1-0 to champions Academy at the NFA Technical Centre.

The Academy walked away with a floating Trophy, N$ 20 000 and 25 gold medals, while Beauties got silver and N$ 12 000 for second place. Poly Babes got Bronze medals as well as N$ 6000, while 21 BDC United finished fourth and received N$ 3500, UNAM fifth (N$ 2 500) and Challengers last (N$ 2000).

The Academy defender Lovisa Mulunga and captain of the national under-17 was voted Best Player of the Season, with teammate Emma Naris (16 years old ) voted Best Young Player of the Season and Poly Babes’ Lorraine Jossob walked away with the Most Improved Player Award.

Okahandja Beauties’ Emerencia Fredericks finished top of the Goal scorers chart with 40 goals, with teammate Juliana Skrywer in second place with 29 goals and the Academy’s Zenata Coleman in third with 21 goals.

Bertus Bock of the Academy won the Coach of the Season award which came with a tracksuit and a FIFA coaching DVD, while Helena Iipinge of the 21 DBC United won the Manager of the Season Award.

The Academy also won the Fair Play Award. Namibian Sun Sport writer Hector Homer Mawonga won the Sports Reporter of the Season award that came with a tracksuit, trophy and N$ 500.

Each winner of the Individual players’ awards received a trophy, tracksuit, cell phone as well as N$ 500 cash. The 2013 Women Super league Season is scheduled to start in April 2013 with an addition of two more clubs, the Windhoek Prisons XI and possibly the Namibia Schools Sport Union (NSSU) team.


FIFA DONATES TO NAMIBIA WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE  CLUBS

The Federation for International Football Associations (FIFA) on Thursday donated football attires and training equipments to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Women Super League clubs.

The NFA Women Desk Coordinator Jackey Gertze praised FIFA for their continuous support for the girls’ game in Namibia.

“FIFA have always been there for us. They have always supported our programme, but this one is big, very big, because all clubs in the league will receive playing gears and training equipments such as cones and all. We are very grateful to FIFA and looking forward to the gesture”, Gertze said.

FIFA has been very instrumental in creating a pathway for Women football development in Namibia starting from Coaching, Refereeing, Player development, Establishment of national age based structures for NFA women football amongst others.


With the introduction of NFA Women Super League in 2011, The NFA Women desk Manager (Jacqueline Shipanga has approach FIFA to help the Association to kick off this league in order to have a platform where the top players can play in order to boost the performance of the national teams. All NFA Women National Teams are participating in FIFA and CAF qualifiers (U/17, U/20 and Senior team).

FIFA has therefore decided to help the well established structures of the NFA Women Desk by giving the NFA N$ 100,000 to administer the WSL and will provide training equipment and attire to all members of the League.

With this handover taking place few days before the season's final round of matches this weekend things are looking pretty good for women football in Namibia.

Banyana Banyana Return Home Ready To Challenge For AWC Title

The South African Senior Women’s National Team (Banyana Banyana) returned home from the Olympic Games. The squad touched down on Thursday, 2 August 2012, richer in experience after holding World Cup champions Japan to a goal-less draw in their final Group F fixture in London this week.

The team, led by head Joseph Mkhonza and captain Amanda Dlamini, was welcome by Minister of Sport and Recreation, the Honourable Mr Fikile Mbalula, president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Kirsten Nematandani – both of whom also arrived in the morning from the Games – as well SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) members Xolani Mtumtum and Anthony Reeves.

“They met the best and were defeated, but we are still proud of them. The future looks bright though for women’s football in South Africa and we need to engage SAFA on trying to get going a professional women’s league in this country because that is the only advantage the other countries have on us. Well done girls, and we are aware you could have done a lot better, but qualifying and being at the Games is victory in itself,” said Minister Mbalula.

“We were surely not disgraced. We should applaud the girls for their good showing. Playing against such established countries is no mean feat, but our girls stood their ground, even though they went down in two matches out of three. We are proud of you girls, and are confident that going forward we will grow even more,” said Nematandani.

There were also family members and a few fans on hand to receive the team.

“This was an unforgettable and proud moment for me personally as well as the whole team. Also it was an experience of a lifetime, and we learnt a lot as a team and we are confident those lessons will stand us in good stead when we tackle the CAF African Women Championship 2012 in Equatorial Guinea starting at the end of October,” said Dlamini.

“To hold World Cup champions Japan to a draw in our final match was the highlight of the Olympic Games campaign as we fancied our chances against them as we play a similar style to them and backed our pace against them. Even though we started very slowly, we grew stronger as a team and we know next time we know what to expect. We lived our dream.”

Mkhonza was also full of praise for his players, saying they did the country proud.

“I must say I have mixed emotions. The team played against the best and we came second best, but we did not disgrace ourselves. It was through our mistakes that we were beaten, but we go into the future confident that we gave our best and will be a force to be reckoned with. The last game we played was mainly for pride, but the girls showed their true potential. I am happy with the performance but not the results,” said Mkhonza.

“Special thanks must go to SASCOC, Safa, the Department of Sport and Recreation and our team sponsor Sasol, for their support of our team. The South African public and the media have also shown great interest in our team and long may this continue.”

Banyana Banyana went down 4-1 to Sweden and 3-0 to Canada before holding Japan to a goal-less draw in the last match.

Striker Portia Modise made history when she became the first player to score for Banyana Banyana in an Olympic tournament.

“I cannot stand here and take all the glory. Gratitude should go to my teammates because I could not have done it without them. I am still excited over the goal, and I must agree it was a great goal. It’s one I will remember for a very long time,” said an elated Modise.

The squad will take a rest before resuming preparations for the upcoming AWC tournament.

South Africa and Cameroon represented Africa at the Olympics.

This was Banyana Banyana’s first Olympic appearance.

safa.net