Local News

Chelsea 0-1 Man City: Bunny Shaw strike moves Gareth Taylor’s Citizens level on points with WSL leaders

Published

9 months ago

February 16, 2024

Bunny Shaw scored the only goal of the game at Kingsmeadow – her 14th WSL goal of the season – with a composed finish after only 14 minutes.

The Blues saw penalty appeals turned down in the first half, when Mayra Ramirez was caught by Alex Greenwood in the box.

They were also denied what looked a certain equaliser by a stunning double save from teenage goalkeeper Khiara Keating deep into second-half stoppage time.

After a rare home defeat for Chelsea, only goal difference now separates the teams in the standings, with eight league matches remaining until the conclusion of the campaign.

In her press conference on Thursday afternoon, Emma Hayes suggested there would be little to separate the WSL’s top two the following evening – and, for the first 10 minutes at least, that was the case. It was cagey; a slip-up could have grave implications for either team’s respective title chances.

With their first shot of the game, City took the lead. Gareth Taylor could be heard urging his side to press and the instructions bore fruit, as Jess Park caught Erin Cuthbert in possession and slipped the ball through to Shaw, who stayed composed as she drove forward and slipped the opener past Hannah Hampton.

Shaw almost had another soon afterwards, but Hampton beat the striker’s shot away after she was again found by a clever Park pass.

Meanwhile, Chelsea – who were uncharacteristically lacking fluency and potency in attack – were denied a penalty when Ramirez was caught by a last-ditch tackle from behind by Alex Greenwood. Had VAR been in operation in the WSL, the incident would certainly have been reviewed.

For the most part, the second half passed by without incident. Hayes made changes in an attempt to inject more energy and creativity, but her side had generated just 0.33 xG by the hour mark.

When captain Erin Cuthbert met a cut-back and flashed a curling shot across the face of goal, it became clearer it was not going to be the hosts’ night.

As City sat back to defend their precious in the nine minutes of added time at the end of the game, Chelsea did the opposite.

They almost benefitted from it, too, but 19-year-old Keating produced a great stop to keep out Jelena Cankovic after she caught a bouncing ball sweetly, and an even better one to deny Sjoeke Nusken as she followed up from point-blank range, securing City’s sixth clean sheet of the season and an eighth league win in succession.

Author

Ambrose Ijeh

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Related Topics:Chelsea women Manchester city women

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Local News

‘We’ll Crush Super Eagles To 2026 World Cup Ticket’ – South Africa Coach Vows

Published

15 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

South African Coach Confident Of Beating Nigeria to 2026 World Cup ticket

South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, is optimistic about his side’s chances of securing the 2026 World Cup ticket ahead of Nigeria and other contenders in Group C, as reported by Soccernet.

The Bafana Bafana currently sit second in Group C with seven points, trailing leaders Rwanda only on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles sit in a disappointing fifth place with three points, four behind South Africa, with six games left in the qualifying series.

Broos, whose side topped Group K in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for Morocco 2025, believes South Africa’s recent form gives them the edge.

Reflecting on their progress, he remarked: “It doesn’t mean that we have to now think that we are where we have to be. No. But little by little we are becoming a very good team.”

He continued: “That will give us the confidence that we need for the next thing we have to do, which is qualify for the World Cup.Nigerian football souvenirs

“But I’m confident that we can do it. I think, if SA can qualify for the World Cup it is now because we have quality; we have a good team. We can do it. But we still have to do it.”

South Africa’s Bafana have not lost a match since their semifinal exit against Nigeria at the Cote d’Ivoire 2023 AFCON.

In their last World Cup qualifier, they drew 1-1 with Nigeria in Uyo, a game where they nearly claimed all three points.

Broos plans to capitalise on South Africa’s AFCON momentum to navigate the World Cup qualifiers.

The coach expects to collect maximum points in their next matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, believing this will secure their ticket.

For Nigeria, the road ahead is challenging. The Super Eagles must win all their remaining fixtures while relying on other teams in the group to disrupt South Africa’s campaign.

The qualifiers resume in March 2025, with South Africa hosting Lesotho and Nigeria traveling to Rwanda.

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Ambrose Ijeh

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Local News

Victor Boniface Suffers Injury Setback

Published

16 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

According to SCORENigeria report, Victor Boniface suffered a thigh injury during a final 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo.

It was further revealed that the striker could now be sidelined for a couple of weeks on account of this latest injury setback.

‘Boni’ was long heralded as a valuable addition to the Super Eagles after his exploits for history-making German Bundesliga club Leverkusen last season.

However, he suffered a major abductor injury leading up to the delayed 2023 AFCON earlier this year in Cote d’Ivoire.

He subsequently missed the tournament and was sidelined for over three months after undergoing surgery.

The 23-year-old striker has come under heavy fire after he failed to open his goals account despite the opportunities and support he has enjoyed from coach Augustine Eguavoen.

He made his long-awaited Super Eagles debut in September 2023, but has yet to score for the country in 11 appearances.

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Ambrose Ijeh

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Local News

Oshoala Missing As Ajibade, Nnadozie Make Nominees’ List For CAF Award

Published

24 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

Oshoala Missing As Ajibade, Nnadozie Make Nominees' List For CAF Award

Two Super Falcons stars, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade, have earned nominations for the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

The recognition follows their outstanding performances for both club and country between January and October, stamping their places among Africa’s best talents in the women’s category.

For the first time in years, reigning champion Asisat Oshoala, a multiple-time winner of the prestigious award, has missed out on a nomination.

The former Barcelona Femeni forward, who claimed the title last year, has been a dominant figure in the category since 2022.

Nigeria’s standout goalkeeper, Nnadozie, has been in phenomenal form. She played a crucial role for the Super Falcons during the 2024 Olympic qualifiers and the main tournament, earning her a chance to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive time.Nigerian football memorabilia

Her heroics also extended to her club, Paris FC, where she helped the French side reach the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Ajibade, on the other hand, has been a pivotal figure for Atlético Madrid and the Super Falcons. The forward was instrumental in securing Nigeria’s qualification for the 2024 Olympics after a 16-year absence.

At her club, she delivered consistently, winning Player of the Month awards in March and September, which further reveal her impact.Nigerian football memorabilia

The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on December 16 in Morocco, where Africa’s finest footballers will be celebrated.

Nnadozie and Ajibade will face tough competition from other nominees in the Women’s Player of the Year category, including:

Sandrine Niyonkuru (Burundi / FC Masar)
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi / Olympique Lyonnais)
Temwa Chawinga (Malawi / Kansas City)
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa / Monterrey)
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa / Tigres UANL)
Barbara Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia / Bay FC)