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WAFCON: Falcons battle Zambia for consolation medal

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2022

Super Falcons

After seeing their chances of winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the 10th time quenched by hosts Morocco, the Super Falcons turn their attention to a third-place finish as they face Zambia for the consolatory bronze medals at the Complex Mohamed V in Casablanca on Friday (today), The PUNCH reports.

The Falcons will hope to make it three out of three when they face the Copper Queens in Casablanca, having dominated their previous meetings, winning 6-0 in their first clash at the 2014 edition, before defeating the Queens 4-0 in Ghana in 2018, on their way to a ninth title.

Heading into this clash, Nigeria are the clear favourites against the Zambians, who made it past the group stages for the first time in three attempts.

This is only the third time, since the women’s tournament began in 1998, that Nigeria would play in a third-place match – winning one and losing the other.

Seeking to reach the final and retain the title they won in Ghana four years ago, the nine-time champions were eliminated by the Atlas Lionesses, who won 5-4 on penalties, after a 1-1 deadlock in regular and extra-time.

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Despite being reduced to nine players, following the sending off of Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde, Falcons held Morocco and forced the game into a penalty shootout.

The duo will be highly missed, especially the Atletico Madrid forward Ajibade, who alongside Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, are the tournament’s top scorer with three goals each.

Their absence will however provide an opportunity for Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday to fill as they hope to come out victorious against the Zambians.

Also out is captain Onome Ebi, who was knocked out by a hamstring injury – that could require between six weeks to two months to recover – during the gruelling semi-final clash against Morocco on Monday.

Having picked up a World Cup ticket, Randy Waldrum’s side will hope to put their defeat behind them and get the better of Zambia, who lost to South Africa in the other semi-final.

Speaking during a press conference ahead of the game, impressive defender Ashleigh Plumptre admitted that the Falcons had a mountain to climb against the Zambians.

“We have a mountain to surmount, surely, but we are ready and will approach the game like the final match,” defender Ashleigh Plumptre said at Thursday’s pre-match conference.

On his part, head coach Waldrum remains optimistic despite missing three of his key players.

The American said, “We have two players suspended as a result of red cards in the last game, and we also have some players down with an injury. So, there will be changes but we will go for the best legs that would give us victory on Friday.”

The Queens were silenced 1-0 in their last four clash by the Banyana Banyana, with Linda Motlhalo’s last-minute penalty sending them packing.

Both the Falcons and the Queens were the victims of controversial refereeing decisions in their semi-final losses.

While the Falcons were hard done by the two red cards, the Queens saw a late penalty handed to the Banyana and both will target winning the bronze medal in this clash as some consolation.

Speaking ahead of today’s clash, Zambia head coach, Bruce Mwape, said his players had put their semi-final disappointment against South Africa behind them and were aiming to win the third-place game against Nigeria.

“We gave our all and created chances but we failed to take them and that was a mistake that we paid dearly for in the end. We have put that behind us and now, we want to win the bronze medals for our people,” Mwape said.

Related Topics:Falcons medal WAFCON Zambia

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Haaland scores twice as Man City hammer West Ham

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13 hours ago

January 5, 2025

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Erling Haaland

Haaland scores twice as Man City hammer West Ham

Erling Haaland scored twice in the Premier League for the first time in over three months as Manchester City, Man City hammered West Ham to equal their biggest win of the season.

Haaland followed up his header late in the first half by calmly chipping over advancing West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola after running on to a through ball from Savinho.

Savinho was arguably Man City’s best player. It was the Brazilian who forced their 10th-minute opener with a left-wing cross that deflected off Vladimir Coufal and left Areola stranded.

Phil Foden added a fourth, tapping home only his second league goal of the season after Kevin de Bruyne unselfishly set him up rather than attempting to mark his 400th City appearance in style.

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West Ham did pull one back when Niclas Fullkrug turned home skipper Tomas Soucek’s cross 19 minutes from time but Crysencio Summerville wasted their best chance after that when he was off target with the goal at his mercy.

It was the first time Man City have won successive games since October and will at least allow manager Pep Guardiola to feel a corner is starting to be turned after the horror run that has led to the club’s Treble-winning boss questioning himself in a way scarcely imaginable for most of his nine-year reign.

In contrast, West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui remains under intense pressure. This defeat was not on the same scale as the five-goal home loss to Liverpool in the Hammers’ last game.

But former manager David Moyes’ presence in the stands was a reminder the east London outfit have not made the progress anticipated when the Scot left at the end of last season – and Lopetegui could yet pay the price for that.

Haaland scores twice as Man City hammer West Ham

Sports

Osimhen scores 10th goal as Galatasaray beat Goztepe 2-1

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21 hours ago

January 5, 2025

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Victor Osimhen

Osimhen scores 10th goal as Galatasaray beat Goztepe 2-1

Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen showcased his brilliance once again as he notched his 10th goal of the season to help Galatasaray secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Goztepe in the Turkish Super League on Saturday.

The match kicked off with high energy, and Galatasaray wasted no time asserting dominance.

In the 10th minute, Osimhen converted a penalty with trademark composure, sending goalkeeper Mateusz Lis the wrong way to put the hosts ahead. The early lead set the tone for a fiercely contested game.

Goztepe responded in the 27th minute when Romulo delivered a stunning equaliser, weaving through Galatasaray’s defence before rifling a shot off the left post and into the net, leaving Fernando Muslera rooted to the spot.

The second half saw relentless action, with both sides battling for supremacy. In the 61st minute, Yunus Akgun restored Galatasaray’s lead, expertly finishing from inside the box after a well-placed pass by Dries Mertens.

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The home side’s teamwork and sharp passing proved decisive, as they held off Goztepe’s late attempts to equalise.

Osimhen, a constant thorn in Goztepe’s defence, was substituted in the 87th minute to a standing ovation, underscoring his pivotal role in Galatasaray’s campaign.

The match ended after 11 minutes of added time, with Galatasaray clinching three crucial points to maintain their strong league standing.

Osimhen scores 10th goal as Galatasaray beat Goztepe 2-1

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Salah confirms 2025 as his final Liverpool season

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2 days ago

January 4, 2025

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Mohamed Salah

Salah confirms 2025 as his final Liverpool season

Mohamed Salah has hinted that this season will be his last at Liverpool, vowing to end his time at the club on a high by winning the Premier League.

The 32-year-old forward is in exceptional form, with Liverpool six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and holding a game in hand ahead of their upcoming clash with Manchester United. Salah currently leads the league in both goals (17) and assists (13), underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s success.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah revealed his primary ambition for the season – to deliver Liverpool’s second Premier League title.

Reflecting on his targets, which he had written down during a summer holiday, he shared, “The first thing on my list was to win the Premier League with Liverpool. For years, I’ve always talked about wanting to win the Champions League, but this time, my focus is on the league. It feels like the right goal for my final season here.”

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When asked why he views this as his last campaign at Anfield, Salah candidly explained, “I can’t really explain it, but something about this year feels different. Maybe it’s because we didn’t get to celebrate the last Premier League win properly due to the pandemic. That title meant so much to the club, the fans, and the city, but the moment wasn’t what we dreamed it would be. I want to leave here having given Liverpool another moment to remember.”

Under previous manager Jürgen Klopp, Salah was instrumental in Liverpool’s golden era, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, European Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Now, with many of his former teammates still in the squad, Salah believes this team has one more triumph in them.

“My motivation this season is clear—to win another trophy, especially the Premier League,” Salah said.

“This team has achieved so much, but winning the league for a second time would solidify our legacy. Players like Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Virgil [van Dijk], Alisson, and Robbo [Andy Robertson] are still here, and we owe it to ourselves and the fans to go out on a high.”

When asked whether he believes a second title is necessary to cement the team’s place among the Premier League greats, he said, “Absolutely. We’ve won almost everything, but one league title isn’t enough for a team of our quality. Winning it twice would make a real statement, and that’s what I’m working toward.”

As Salah enters the final six months of his contract, speculation over his future is certain to intensify. However, for now, the Egyptian forward remains laser-focused on achieving his goals with Liverpool before bidding farewell.