Sports
AWC: Ghana Suffers Shock Defeat
Algeria stunned Ghana 1-0 at
the 2014 African Women Championship in Namibia, while Cameroon left it late to edge South Africa by the same score in the earlier game in Group B at the weekend.
With only one victory and one draw to show from three previous appearances at the AWC, Algeria went into the game as underdogs against Ghana, who had beaten them 2-1 at the 2010 edition in South Africa.
The skilful Naima Bouhani troubled the Ghana defence with her sleek moves in a drab first half.
In one such move, she handed Nachida Laifa a great opportunity to punish the slumbering Black Queens but Laifa fluffed her chance.
Ghana, who boasts three appearances on the global stage and are desperately looking for a first African title, responded and pressed Algeria back.
And in the 64th minute Faiza Ibrahim struck a free-kick that bounced off the post.
Algeria goalkeeper Kahina Takenint then pulled off great saves to deny Hillia Kobblah, Mercy Myles and Agnes Aduako.
And the Black Queens were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal.
The Dangerous Bouhani capitalised on a fast break in stoppage time and rounded the Ghana keeper before delivering a cross which substitute Horiya Aaffak dived in to nod home from close-range.
It gave Algeria their first win at the finals since they beat Mali 3-0 at the 2004 edition.
Veteran Algeria coach Azzedine Chih was delighted with the win.
“This is a big and historic result for the team. They fought hard and showed great ability against an experienced side.” said Chih.
Cameroon midfielder Raissa Feudjio scored in the 88th minute to give her side an important win over South Africa.
The Indomitable Lionesses showed great intent from start with Gabrielle Aboudi going close with a strike that almost embarrassed Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker in the eighth minute.
But South Africa hit back and almost equalised when Noko Matlou’s effort struck the post six minutes later.
South African duo Portia Modise and Amanda Dlamini caused further problems in the second-half as Cameroon clung on.
Estelle Zouga and Aboudi came close for the Lionesses late on but Barker stood her ground in goal for Banyana.
Two minutes from time, Barker turned villain as she spilled a corner-kick to allow Raissa Feudjio to slam home from close-range to steal all the three points.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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