Super Falcons’ likely Women’s Olympic Qualifiers opponent, Ethiopia impress in opening match

Ethiopia women’s team has walloped Chad 6-0 in the first leg of the Olympic qualifiers at the weekend. The aggregate winner of the clash will face Super Falcons in the next round.

Super Falcons are hoping for a return to the Olympic Games after a 16-year absence. Weekend’s results by teams in the preliminary stage point to the probability of Super Falcons facing Ethiopia to book a third round fixture against the winners of Uganda/Rwanda versus Cameroon.

In the weekend’s match, Ethiopia left no room for doubt as they dominated Chad with a resounding 6-0 victory.

Also, Ghana  kicked off their journey in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in impressive fashion, securing a dominant 3-0 win against Guinea’s Syli Dames in Conakry on Friday.

The Black Queens wasted no time making their mark in the match. In the 19th minute, Vivian Adjei Konadu took advantage of a goalkeeping error and confidently smashed the ball into the net, putting Ghana in the lead.

The Ghanaian attack continued to flourish, showcasing their cohesion and creativity. Evelyn Badu’s precise through pass found Grace Asantewaa, who delivered a brilliant ball to Jennifer Cudjoe on the right flank.

Cudjoe’s well-placed cross met Doris Boaduwaa, who expertly connected with the ball to double Ghana’s lead in the 27th minute.

Guinea’s hopes were further dashed just before half-time when Camara Manet received her second yellow card, reducing the Guinean team to ten players.

In the second half, Ghana continued to assert their dominance. Mary Amponsah provided a delightful assist, setting up Evelyn Badu for the third goal in the 72nd minute. Badu calmly slotted the ball into the net, extending Ghana’s lead to 3-0 and sealing a comprehensive victory.

The Ghanaian team now eagerly awaits their next challenge against the Syli Dames on July 18, which promises to be a thrilling encounter on Ghanaian soil.

In a surprising turn of events, Burkina Faso, hailed as the revelation of the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, faced an unexpected setback on their home turf against Mali.

As has become customary, the ndomitable Agaicha Diarra made her mark early in the game, scoring a stunning goal in the 3rd minute. Fans at the March 26 Stadium in Bamako eagerly anticipate a high-caliber match on Tuesday, July 18.

In other results, Uganda and Rwanda played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw, showcasing their skill and determination.

Namibia secured a 2-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea, while the Amazons of Benin managed to salvage a 2-2 draw against Guinea Bissau.

The stage is set for a thrilling qualification campaign, as these talented teams strive to secure their place in the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With their remarkable performances in the opening matches, Ghana, Mali, and Ethiopia have undoubtedly made a strong statement of intent. Football fans can eagerly anticipate more captivating matches as the competition progresses.

Results of the first-leg of the Women’s Olympic Games qualifiers

12 July 2023

• Burkina Faso 0-1 Mali
• Uganda 3-3 Rwanda

13 July 2023

• Ethiopia 6-0 Chad
• Namibia2-0 Equatorial Guinea

14 July 2023

• Guinea Bissau 2-2 Benin
• Guinea 0-3 Ghana