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Tag: AWCON

  • Oshoala, Ebi, Oluehi, make 2018 AWCON group stage first eleven

    Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala, defender Onome Ebi and goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, have made the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) group stage first eleven.

    This was announced on the tournament’s twitter handle @CAF_AWCON on Monday as the event rounded up its group games on Saturday and set for its semi-finals on Tuesday.

    The trio is listed alongside South African defenders Janine Van Wyk, Nothando Vilakazi and forward Thembi Kgatalana.

    Cameroonian Raissa Feudjio, teammate Marylse Ndoumbouk and Ghanaian Elizabeth Addo were nominated in midfield, while Cameroonian striker Gabrielle Onguene and Ghana’s defender Gladys Amfobea also made the list.

    The substitutes are: Kimberly Barker of South Africa, Mali’s Bassira Toure, Nigeria’s Desire Oparanozie and teammate Francisca Ordega.

    Ngo Mbeleck Edith of Cameroon and Ghana’s Portia Boakye were also included.

    All countries represented qualified for the semifinals stages except hosts Ghana who lost out at the group stage.

    Top three out of the semifinals quartet would secure a ticket at next year’s Women’s World Cup in France.

    NAN

  • 2018 AWCON: Hosts Ghana bundled out as Cameroon, Mali progress to semi-finals

    Hosts Ghana have been sent packing from the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), finishing third in Group A as Mali makes a first-ever semi-finals appearance after six attempts.

    Group leaders Cameroon who finished with seven points will join Mali with six points to the next round.

    Ghana who obtained four points and Algeria with no point are eliminated after three matches each.

    Cameroon drew 1-1 with Ghana while Algeria succumbed to a 2-3 loss Mali in their last group games played simultaneously at the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Stadium respectively.

    It was disappointing for the Ghana fans, especially as the Black Queens had boasted of winning the tournament.

    The team’s coach Bashir Hayford, prior to the event’s kickoff, had said: “This tournament is very important for Ghanaians, as it is the first time the nation has the privilege to host it.

    “We have this twin words, HOST and WIN and that is exactly what we are working towards,” he assured.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association on its twitter handle @ghanafaofficial wrote on Friday: “It’s ok, we try again next time and once again thanks for your support”.

    The last Group B matches will take place on Saturday to determine teams to join the qualified duo in Group A for the semi-finals.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the top three of the semi-finals quartet will earn tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next year.

  • 2018 AWCON: Falcons redeem image over Zambia in four-goal thriller

    Super Falcons on Wednesday redeemed their high rated image in a 4-0 win over the Shepolopolos of Zambia in their second group B game of the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).

    Thomas Dennerby ladies proved to be worthy defending champions as the victory has kept hope alive for their title defence and a possible 2019 World Cup ticket in France.

    The team began the show with a strike from Desire Oparanozie three minutes to the end of first half.

    Teammate Fransisca Ordega doubled the lead from a rebound of Oparanozie’s shot on the bar in the 69th minute.

    Substitute Rasheedat Ajibade, who replaced Oparanozie marked her AWCON debut tournament with a beautiful shot home six minutes later to make it 3-0 for the defending champions.

    The eighth time champions, however, sealed the victory with a spectacular Amarachi Okoronkwo thunderbolt at the 94th minute.

    Zambia and Nigeria now have three points from two matches as South Africa is expected to face Equatorial Guinea in the second group game later in the day.

    Three top countries from the eight-team event will qualify for the world stage in France.

  • CAF strips Ghana of 2018 AWCON hosting rights over poor preparation

    CAF strips Ghana of 2018 AWCON hosting rights over poor preparation

    With just three months left for the start of the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), Ghana has been stripped of the hosting rights.

    The eight-team tournament is scheduled to take place between 17 November to 1 December 2018.

    According to the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, Ghana’s ill preparedness was a major reason for the decision.

    Ahmad was quoted on Kwese ESPN that they are looking for new hosts of the competition.

    “We are engaging several countries and should be able to announce a host during the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Egypt next month,” Ahmad told KweséESPN.

    Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Algeria, South Africa, Zambia, Mali and Nigeria have already qualified for the tournament.

    A new host will be announced next month during the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Egypt.