Round-up
Another nigeriAn success
Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was Nigeria’s hero as they won their 11th Women’s African Nations Cup title.
The defending champions lost their opening match 1-0 to South Africa but progressed to meet Banyana Banyana once again in the Final.
Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala missed a penalty as the game ended goalless, and her team-mate Onome Ebi then hit the post with the first kick of the shoot-out. However, South Africa’s Lebohang Ramalepe missed to level the scores, and at 4-3, with Linda Motlhalo needing to score to force sudden death, Oluehi saved to give Nigeria victory.
AfghAn Abuse inquiries
A series of inquiries are underway by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and the Afghanistan government after The Guardian newspaper revealed allegations of sexual abuse against members of the Afghan women’s national team.
It is claimed that Keramuddin Keram, president of the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) since 2004, had raped and sexually assaulted players in a bedroom in his office – the door to which could only be opened by his fingerprint recognition – and that other officials had coerced players at a training camp into sex.
Other allegations made by former players and coaches include claims of physical assault and death threats. The AFF called the allegations “groundless”, but the attorney-general’s office ordered six officials, including Keram, to be suspended during the investigation.
“Even if mere allegations cause our people to stop sending their sons and daughters to sports, we need to act immediately and comprehensively,” said Afghanistan’s president, Ashraf Ghani.
englAnd to host euro 2021
Wembley Stadium will stage the Final of the Women’s European Championship in 2021 after England won the right to host the 16-team tournament.
The other proposed venues are Brighton, Brentford’s new Lionel Road ground, Manchester City’s Academy Stadium, Milton Keynes, Nottingham Forest, Rotherham United, Sheffield United and Southampton.
England last hosted in 2005, when they were knocked out in the group stage. The tournament then was confined to the north-west of the country, with the Final at Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park.
new ZeAlAnd dominAte
The White Ferns’ dominance of Oceania since Australia left for the Asian federation was underlined as they romped to success in the OFC Nations Cup, also claiming spots in the 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympics.
New Zealand scored 43 goals without reply in their five matches in New Caledonia, defeating hosts Fiji 8-0 in the Final. Betsy Hassett was named player of the tournament.