Nigeria's Falconets reached the semifinals of the Fifa Under20 Women's World Cup after edging Mexico 1-0 in extra time in Tokyo on Thursday.
It is Nigeria's the second successive time of reaching the semifinals of the Under20 Women's World Cup.
The Falconets dominated the game against their North American opponents in the opening one hour but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
In the opening 15 minutes, Nigeria thought they had taken the lead when Francisca Ordega's shot deflected past Mexico goalkeeper, Cecilia Santiago.
But Ordega's strike was correctly ruled offside.
Desire Oparanozie came close within minutes of putting the Falconets in front but forced Santiago into making a save.
Nigeria continued to boss the midfield and Oparanozie came close again on 37 minutes when her effort hit the crossbar.
Mexico had one chance with Sofia Huerta creating the spark as they came close to taking the lead with minutes to the break.
The Falconets continued with their dominance in possession and midfield after the break.
Santiago again stood between Nigeria and a goal by keeping out Gloria Ofoegbu's goal-bound shot on the hour mark.
The Mexican keeper was forced again into another save by Oparanozie minutes later.
But the Mexicans, however, began to find their way back into the game with their skipper, Nayeli Rangel narrowly heading wide from a set-piece.
The game whittled in pace and dragged into extra time, which was characterised by periods of belaboured display due to fatigue.
Mexico had one great chance when Yamile Franco's free kick grazed the bar.
But it was the striker Oparanozie who headed away Ugo Njoku’s cross past Santiago.
It took Nigeria 109 minutes to carve open the Mexicans as they reach the semifinals for the second time running
WHAT A MAN CAN DO???
No comments:
Post a Comment