Ghana’s Black Queens' dream of making a first Olympic Games appearance has once again been halted by Nigeria’s Super Falcons, courtesy a 0-2 defeat in their penultimate qualifier played on Saturday.
Nigeria scored a goal in each half to qualify for the Beijing Games on superior goals difference.
Both Ghana and Nigeria finished on nine points each, with the Queens needing only a draw before the game to book qualification.
The Nigerians have already made two appearances at the Olympics, but were eliminated in the first round on both occasions.
The Queens, who had their fate in their hand, did not impress and allowed the host, who needed all points to make a third appearance, to dominate throughout the game.
Nigeria’s dominance, as well as the poor officiating by the Ugandan referee Aisa Mabikko paid off after 38 minute through a dubious goal that infuriated the visitors.
Goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana had pulled incredible saves to keep Ghana in the game until referee Mabikko got to the height of her poor judgement by ignoring a foul on Memunatu and a few seconds later overlooked a handball that would have gone against Nigeria in the Ghanaian area.
Africa’s female number one player, Cynthia Uwak capitalised on the referee’s errors to score the first goal, sending the handful chanting supporters at the stadium into wild celebration.
The Queens, who had struggled to put their game together, had their spirit dampened by the goal and only managed to survive several assaults for the rest of the first half by the charged Falcons with play makers Perpetual Nkwocha and Ifeanyi Cheijine firmly controlling affairs from the middle.
The Queens, after recess nearly got the equalizer through an initiative by skipper Adjoa Bayor, who neatly picked out Anita Amankwaah in the middle.
Amankwah took a fine half volley that forced Nigeria’s goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi to make her first serious save.
But the Falcons were to return to their dominance, buoyed by the cheers from the fans and pressed until the second goal came through Uwak with less than five minutes to end the game.
Ghana would now play Brazil in a play-off to determine who qualifies to the quadrennial games.
LINE –UP, Memunatu Sulemana, Portia Boakye, Ama Saabi, Olivia Amoako, Aminatu Ibrahim, Lydia Ankra, Florence Okoe, Adjoa Bayor/Safia Abdul Rahman, Rumanatu Tahiru/Diana Ankomah, Anita Amankwah, Gloria Oforiwaa.
Source: GNA
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
WAEC uncertain about meeting Dec. 29 deadline for WASSCE results
4 minutes -
‘She Leads Project’ calls for more female representation in politics to address women’s issues
11 minutes -
DJ Promise crowned Best Radio DJ at Dangme Music Awards 2024
11 minutes -
Re-collation: Court sets Dec. 27 to hear NDC’s suit against EC
28 minutes -
Let’s remain positive, optimistic, and with calmness, rebrand our party – Afenyo-Markin
1 hour -
L’aîné HR celebrates 30 years of excellence in HR management in Ghana
2 hours -
Corporate Wellness: Elegant Homes emphasizes impact of Annual Health and Family Fun Day
2 hours -
BoG issues bancassurance directives to stakeholders in financial sector; warns of sanctions
2 hours -
African Paralympic Committee President sends festive greetings to fraternity
3 hours -
Ghana-Russia Centre holds its first corporate social responsibility event in Ghana
3 hours -
Mozambique’s opposition leader vows to install himself as president
4 hours -
‘Politics will come and go’ – Afenyo-Markin calls for national development
4 hours -
We thank God for the peace we have in the country – Afenyo Markin
4 hours -
‘What binds us is greater than what divides us’ – AG Godfred Dame
5 hours -
Level 100 university student remanded in custody for defilement
5 hours