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Five changes Morocco made to secure first Women’s World Cup win
Morocco have written their names in the history books by recording their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ goal and picking up their first ever win at the tournament against Korea Republic. Not only that, but the Atlas Lionesses know that qualifying for the last 16 now in their hands.
Following a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of Germany, many expected the North Africans to struggle in their remaining group games. However, under the stewardship of coach Reynald Pedros, they kick-started their tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Korea Republic. Now, the narrative is about an historic achievement rather than an demoralising defeat, much to the joy of the Moroccan people.
Personnel changes
Pedros rang the changes in both defence and attack for the match against Korea Republic, with the players he brought into the team playing key roles to justify his decision making.
With a completely different pairing in central defence, Morocco looked much more solid at the back. Sarah Kassi and Yasmin Mrabet dropped to the bench, replaced by Nesryne El Chad and Nouhaila Benzina, both of whom performed well and helped their side keep a clean sheet.
In attack, Rosella Ayane and Anissa Lahmari were replaced by Ibtissam Jraidi and Salma Amani. The pair quickly justified their selection, with Jraidi netting the only goal after just six minutes.
New tactics
Against Germany, it felt as though Morocco’s only plan was to rely on their defence and catch their opponents on the break. Needing a win against the Taegeuk Ladies, they could no longer rely on such a tactic.
This time, Pedros opted for more of a possession game, with greater emphasis on building up from the back and off-the-ball movement to create openings in the opposition defence. The tactical change proved successful, with Morocco taking nine shots on goal and recording 113 line breaks.
Crosses
One of Morocco’s biggest issues against Germany was their positioning when defending crosses. However, the Atlas Lionesses dealt with them much better against Korea Republic, thanks in no small part to the new centre-back pairing. Benzina was particularly key, using her height and leadership skills to great effect.
Morocco also looked to cross the ball in down the other end, attempting 13 in total. Indeed, it was a cross that Jraidi headed home to score their goal, while another almost yielded a second goal shortly afterwards.
Playing the game and not the occasion
Just minutes into their opener, it was clear the Moroccans were feeling the pressure of maiden Women’s World Cup match, particularly faced with the overwhelming experience and strength of Germany. That psychological anxiety surely played a part in their heavy opening defeat.
Now free from that pressure, Morocco played much more like their usual selves against the Koreans, ultimately securing a historic victory.
Physical superiority
Unlike in their opener, when the Atlas Lionesses appeared incapable of physically matching Germany, they were able to outmuscle and outpace the Taegeuk Ladies. Pedros’ side won far more duels this time out and were quicker to transition from defence to attack and vice versa.
FIFA.COM
African teams will battle for the remaining qualification spots for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup this weekend as the final round of qualifiers reaches its climax across the continent.
In Kampala, Ghana will attempt to protect a slender 2-1 first-leg advantage when they face Uganda’s U20 girls away from home.
Cameroon are also in a strong position ahead of their return-leg clash against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam after securing a 3-1 victory in the first meeting.
Meanwhile, Benin will fancy their chances of advancing when they host Côte d’Ivoire following a 1-1 draw in Abidjan.
Nigeria’s Falconets are equally close to qualification after earning a 2-0 first-leg victory over Malawi ahead of Saturday’s decisive encounter in Lilongwe.
The successful teams will join the global field for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next year.
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The London Marathon broke the record for the highest number of finishers in a marathon, with 59,830 participants completing the course to surpass the mark of 59,226 at last year’s New York City event.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe shattered the world record to become the first man to run the marathon in under two hours, followed by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who also breached the two-hour barrier on Sunday.
“To then break the record of the largest number of finishers in the history of marathons underlines the inspirational nature of the London Marathon. We are incredibly proud to have set a new Guinness World Record,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.
In the women’s race, three women ran under two hours and 16 minutes in a single race for the first time ever, as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title by shattering her own women ‘s-only world record
-Reuters
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By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table, which surprisingly include last season’s champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season, and this could see as many as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders in the race for the battle for the golden boot are Enugu Rangers’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United’s Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goal involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each, while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances, which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however, the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo, who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goal scorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC’s Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa – all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and sent off once.
Iwundu’s goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspirations this season, and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among the factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds-on to claim the top individual prize.
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