CAIRO, March 27, 2012 - Ghana and Nigeria sealed their places at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Azerbaijan 2012, with convincing wins in the final round matches over the weekend.
The Black Maidens of Ghana whitewashed their South African counterparts 5-1 last Friday in Accra whilst the Flamingoes of Nigeria walloped Zambia 5-0 in Abeokuta on Saturday.
Striker Alberta Ahialey netted a hat-trick whilst Priscilla Okyere scored twice as the Maidens came from behind to secure victory. Mosili Makhoali grabbed a consolation for the visiting Bantwana. The Ghanaians went through 5-1 on aggregate.
In Abeokuta, Chidinma Edeji scored twice before other strikes from Patience Okaeme, Halimatu Ayinde and Mabel Effiom Michael ensured the Flamingoes advanced 7-1 on aggregate.
An elated Nigeria coach Peter Dedevbo said: “I feel elated that these girls have made Nigerians happy today. We are rejoicing now but a lot still needs to be done to compete favourably at the world stage.”
The two sides maintained their impressive record of participating at every edition of the biennial championship since the maiden edition in 2008 in New Zealand.
The other African slot will be decided next weekend in Tunis between Tunisia and Gambia. The Gambians won the first leg by a lone goal.
The global championship will take place from 22 September to 13 October in Azerbaijan.
From CAF
