The competition has been described as a huge success and everyone was pleased with the organisation and management of the competition from the start to the end.

One can say the Ghana Black Queens didn’t perform well in the tournament but can’t deny the country’s effort in making the competition a success.

AWCON 2018: Black Queens Crash Out After Draw With Cameroon

Below is the content of the letter:

Mr. Asante Alex Deputy General Secretary Ghana Football Association Cairo, 7th December 2018

Subject: Congratulations

TOTAL WOMEN AFCON- GHANA 2018

Dear Mr. Deputy General Secretary,

We would like to extend to Ghana FA our congratulations for the excellent organization of the final tournament of the 11th Total Women AFCON –GHANA 2018.

CAF would like also to sincerely thank the Local organizing Committee for hosting such a prestigious event and for all the efforts deployed in order to deliver a successful Women AFCON.

Please accept, Mr. Deputy General Secretary, our sincerest regards.

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Footballlive.ng reports that Pinnick was all smiles after the Falcons won their ninth AWCON title, third back-to-back, and picked several individual honours at the end of the 11th edition of the continental soccer showpiece in Accra, Ghana.

The NFF boss admitted it was a special day for him, after the Falcons overcame a stubborn South African Banyana Banyana squad on penalties, following a scoreless end to 120 minutes of action to retain the title trophy they also won two years ago in Cameroon.



AWCON 2018: Cameroon Player’s Home Vandalized After Penalty Miss Against Nigeria

The latest triumph was achieved despite the Falcons missing top striker, Desire Oparanozie to injury, and on the back of a 75th-minute penalty miss by three-time African Female Footballer of The Year, Asisat Oshoala.

It was also against the backdrop of the Nigerian team having playing consecutive 120-minute matches at the competition, as their semi-final. Clash against Cameroon four days earlier had also going into a shoot-out from the spot.



Opportunities were few and far between in a tight and cagey game in the Ghanaian capital. Both teams watched each other’s heels closely.

Woman-of-the-match, Francisca Ordega, for the Falcons, and AWCON 2018 top scorer, Thembi Kgatlana, on the South African side, came close with sweet touches in the closing stages of the first half.

Just before interval, Rasheedat Ajibade, who had an uncharacteristic off-day, should have done better as the ball spilled to her from a corner kick.

In the 48th minute, Ordega blasted a good chance over the bar, and 14 minutes later, Ngozi Okobi’s good move and pull –out was over hit.

In the 75th minute, Ordega ran determinedly onto a brilliant pass from Okobi, but was scythed by goalkeeper Christen Swart. Zambian referee, Gladys Lengwe awarded a penalty, but Oshoala screwed her shot and it went away.

Okobi and Ordega would miss chances late on, and substitute Nompumelelo Nyandeni came close with five minutes left but goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, excellent throughout, was on call.

Oluehi would later save from Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo in extra time, just as Oshoala watched a good shot stopped by Swart, and the game dragged on into penalties.



In the resultant shootout, Onome Ebi missed Nigeria’s first kick, hitting the upright, but she got a respite after Alice Matlou and Ngozi Ebere netted, as Lebohang Ramalepe booted her effort wide.

Rita Chikwelu and Nyandeni scored, as did Chinwendu Ihezuo and Mamello Makhabane, but after Chinaza Uchendu found the roof in a cool manner, Motlhalo watched in agony as Oluehi stretched to stop her kick and hand Nigeria the trophy.

Afterwards, Pinnick, who is also first vice-president of Confederation of African Football (CAF), admitted that the Falcons had made him proud on his birthday.

Pinnick said: “This is very special for me, coming on my birthday. I am very proud of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, and I congratulate them for doing our country proud.

“This is the Falcons’ ninth African title, so the news is not that they won here. We dedicate this trophy to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).



“The news is that the Nigeria Football Federation will look for the resources to give the team solid preparation, so that this time, we will make a big impact at the FIFA World Cup and not simply go there to make up the number.”

Credit: footballlive.ng

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Nigeria were held by South Africa all through the game as both teams couldn’t find the net after 120 minutes including extra time.

Both teams had their chances to take the lead but the game was too tight for either teams. Nigeria had a perfect opportunity to win the game earlier when the referee awarded them a penalty in the 79th minute, but Asisat Oshoala squandered the opportunity as she shot wide.

AWCON 2018: Nigeria Super Falcons Beat Cameroon To Reach Finals

Fans stayed late to witness the game last for 120 minutes before Nigeria won the game 4-3 on penalties.

South Africa will go home with their heads up high as they have already achieved an incredible feat after qualifying for the World Cup alongside Nigeria and Cameroon.

The post AWCON 2018: Nigeria beat South Africa on penalties to win ninth title first appeared on Sahara Football.

Black Maidens arrive in the country after World Cup exit

Therese Abena scored twice for Cameroon in the first half, Mali responded with a goal from Fatoumata before the break. Scores were leveled just twelve minutes into the second half when Marie Awona scored an own goal after her sliding clearance went in her own net.

Gabrielle Onguene and Christine Manine’s wonderful goals made sure the Indomitable Lioness won the prize and book their place in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The post AWCON 2018: Cameroon 4-2 Mali – Cameroon seal World Cup spot after bronze match win first appeared on Sahara Football.

South Africa beat Mali on Tuesday to achieve World Cup qualification spot and also progressing into the final of the African Women’s Cup of Nations.

“This is not about this team only, this is about South Africa. This is about all the coaches who have been there before [us], the players who have been there before [us], coaches in the Sasol League. But most importantly it’s about our sponsor Sasol and it’s about our South African football federation,” Ellis said after the Mali game.

AWCON 2018: Nigeria Super Falcons Beat Cameroon To Reach Finals

“We would not be where we are if they were not on board. They’ve been tremendous in the preparation we had over the year. They made sure that we had the best preparation possible, which does not guarantee you success, but this team is amazing. We have a core of over 50 players and they are all amazing. We thank God for this great opportunity. We are going to France and that’s what it’s about.”

South Africa will lock horns with Nigeria in the final on Saturday in the Accra Sports Stadium.

The post AWCON 2018: South Africa coach Desiree Ellis ecstatic after historic World Cup Qualification first appeared on Sahara Football.

Events didn’t go as planned for the Black Queens as they were hoping to beat Cameroon and also hoping Algeria beat Mali to help them sneak to the next round.

AWCON 2018: “If Ghana Wanted To Set Fire To Tournament They Wouldn’t Have Waited Till 3rd Game”

Ghana opened the scoring through Portia Boakye and Cameroon pegged them back immediately after Christine scored from the spot after the Ghanaian goalkeeper Yaa Asantewaa made and unnecessary tackle that proved costly in the end.

AWCON 2018 : “We Believe In You”, Black Queens Encouraged Ahead Of Cameroon Clash

The Black Queens will be disappointed with their performance in the competition. Cameroon are through to the next stage and will be delighted with the performance they’ve put out in the competition.

Mali also join Cameroon in the semis after beating Algeria 3-2

The post AWCON 2018: Black Queens Crash Out After Draw With Cameroon first appeared on Sahara Football.

The Queens lost their second game to Mali which has now made the final game with Cameroon very important; a loss and they could say goodbye to the tournament they are aiming to host and win.

AWCON: “Mali Will Be Tough But We Are Hopeful Of Victory”- Priscilla Okyere

Speaking to the Queens, the Acting Director said, “Ghana is behind you. Ghana believes in your abilities and that is why they assembled all of you here.”

Black Queens Coach Urges Ghanaians To Support Them By Filling The Stadium

He also mentioned that they should not be discouraged by the loss to Mali and be confident ahead of the clash with the Cameroonians.

The Black Queens will need a convincing win against the Indomitable Lionesses to ensure progress to the next stage with Mali also looking to qualify again.

Kick off for both will be at 4pm.

The post AWCON 2018 : “We Believe In You”, Black Queens Encouraged Ahead Of Cameroon Clash first appeared on Sahara Football.

Nigeria started their must win match in a very sluggish manner, they found it difficult to string passes in the opening minutes of the game and made a lot of mistakes while going forward.

Asisat was the first player to  go close to goal after her shot was saved by the Zambian goalkeeper Hazel. Ugochi’s header was saved by the Zambian goalkeeper in 19th minute as the Super Falcons looked for a goal.

Ugochi Desire Oparanozie opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 40th minute.

AWCON 2018: Ghana Black Queens beat Algeria 1-0 in opening game

Nigeria started the second half very well and managed to organize themselves as they created more chance in the opening minutes of the second half than they did in the entire first half.

Asisat Oshoala missed a glorious chance to double the lead in a one on one situation with the Zambian goalkeeper, she later had another chance to correct her mistake but failed to do so as her touch was too much after beating the Zambian offside trap.

Francisca Ordega doubled the lead for the Super Falcons in the 69th minute and Agnes Musase made it three five minutes later. Grace Amarachi scored the fourth just few minutes before the final whistle.

Nigeria will play Equatorial Guniea next, as they will look to continue with their new form.

The post AWCON 2018: Nigeria Thrash Zambia to register first win first appeared on Sahara Football.

Nigeria lost their first game against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. They will face Zambia, who thrashed Equatorial Guinea 5-0 in their opening game.

“We will do what ever it takes to win the game against the Zambians, we are working very hard to achieve a win.” Dennerby said.

AWCON 2018: Nigeria Super Falcons lose against South Africa

“We have ruminated over the defeat and everyone is focused on what we have to do to get to the next stage,” Dennerby said.

“Yes we disappointed Nigerians by losing our first game, but we can promise everybody for a better result in this next match.”

“We had a very good chat with the players,which we had to inculcate in our minds and visions what the next match means to the team, for Nigeria and for us to qualify for the World Cup  and it starts on Wednesday with a win for Super falcons against Zambia.”

“It will not be easy, but the players have expressed determination to win every match from this stage so that we can progress and pick a ticket to the FIFA World Cup, as a first objective.”

“We are the champions and we have to show that spirit of champions from the next match against the Zambians.”

The post AWCON 2018: Nigeria coach says the Super Falcons will win remaining matches first appeared on Sahara Football.

Nigeria started the game strongly, with Asisat Oshoala and Oparanozie coming close to scoring but squandered several chances.

AFCON 2019 Qualifiers: What Ghana Needs To Do To Ensure Qualification

South Africa stood firm defensively and controlled the game very well and their hard work paid off in the 83rd minute when Thembi Kgatlana put South Africa in front.

Nigeria regrouped to grab an equalizer but it was surely too late for the Super Falcons. This is the first time the Super Falcons have lost their opening game in the Africa Nations Cup.

Nigeria will play Zambia on Wednesday while South Africa will face Equatorial Guinea.

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