France Dash Maidens's Dream
The Cinderella story of Ghana’s Black Maidens at the Under-17 Women’s World Cup (WWC) in Azerbaijan is over but they still have a chance to
Tuesday, the Maidens’ dream of a historic final appearance at the competition was botched by France who put up a strong show to win 2-0 courtesy a goal in each half by Kadidiatou Diani, in their semi-final encounter.
Out of no where, the Maidens drew a good measure of interest at this competition following their giant-killing feat against China and Japan in their last group and quarter-final matches and were hopeful of another good show against the France, but an equally good performance from the French, dashed the hopes of the Maidens and their teeming fans who had prayed for another win.
While, the Maidens have another chance to grab a piece of history in the third-place game on Saturday, it is a more painful end for lead striker, Jane Ayieyam, who will have no further role to play in the competition.
Two yellow cards in yesterday’s game meant the young striker took an early shower which also meant she has no chance to vie for the top scorer award as the red card received, rules her out of the next game.
Not really impressive until yesterday, the French came into the game more stronger, and never allowed the Maidens to settle down into their game. Their physical stature an advantage, they constantly harrassed the Maidens’ goal area incessantly but goalkeeper Victoria Agyei but in the 31st minute, Diani’s header beat her.
The Maidens resumed the second half on a strong note, eager to level the scores, but with Ayieyam’s sending -off coming as early as the 52nd minute, they had to make up for that extra strength. On many occasions gave the French some anxious moments, but it was obvious that the young striker with four goals to her name at this competition, was soarly missed, as her teammates lacked the finishing power at the final delivery.
As the minutes ticked away, there was still hope that the Maidens would score to push the game into extra time, but Diani killed it off with her second with just a minute to spare.
The Maidens will now face either Germany of North Korea in the third-place match on Saturday. The two sides were in action at press time yesterday.
Despite the loss, the Maidens can still be proud of their achievement and compensate with a good show in their very last game on Saturday.
Ghana: Victoria Agyei, Naomi Anima/Wasila Diwura-Soale, Ellen Coleman, Lily Niber-Lawrence/Rasheda Abdul-Rahman, Vida Opoku, Regina Antwi, Sherifatu Sumaila, Alberta Ahialey, Priscilla Okyere/Laadi Issaka, Fatima Alhassan, Jane Ayieyam
Remaining Schedule
13/10/12
Third Place Match: Ghana v Germany (12GMT)
Final Match: France v / North Korea (15GMT)