By Mario Deepromoter
A late goal at 86th minute by Flourish Sabastine separates the locked horns between Nigeria and South Korea at the FIFA Women’s World Cup U-20 Category on going in Colombia.
The match, played at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, saw both teams create few chances, with Nigeria edging the Koreans in terms of opportunities, especially in the second half. Mary Lucky Mkpa was a standout performer for the Falconets, with her determination and accuracy nearly paying off on several occasions.
The Koreans, who lost to Nigeria in the previous competition in Costa Rica, came close to taking the lead in the 15th minute, but Shukurat Oladipowa’s crucial stop denied them. The Nigerians also had their share of close calls, with Shukurat Bakare failing to save a pull-out attempt in the 28th minute, and Myeyung’s 22-yard free kick rattling the crossbar just before the break.
The breakthrough came when substitute Sabastine cut in from the right side and struck the upright, with the ball rolling into the net for the game’s lone goal. The Falconets’ next challenge is a daunting one, as they face three-time champions Germany on Wednesday night at the same venue. The Germans, who defeated Venezuela in their opener, will be favourites to win, but the Falconets’ confidence will be high after this thrilling victory.
The win marks a perfect start for the Falconets in the 11th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and they will be looking to build on this momentum as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.