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South Africa advances to last 16 of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 with first victory

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South Africa advances to last 16 of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 with first victory

South Africa advanced to the final 16 of the Women’s World Cup following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Italy in Wellington.

After Italy equalised with an Arianna Caruso header in the 92nd minute, Thembi Kgatlana’s 92nd-minute victory proved decisive.

A draw would have been sufficient to advance Italy to the knockout stages.

On Sunday, South Africa will face the Group E winners, the Netherlands.

South Africa has made great development from their maiden appearance at the event in 2019, when they lost all three group matches, after gaining their first World Cup point in a 2-2 draw with Argentina.

The South African players were ecstatic as the final whistle indicated they had created history for their country.

With a win ensuring their spot in the knockout rounds, Italy got off to the perfect start when Karabo Dhlamini grabbed the heels of youngster Chiara Beccari and was given a penalty.

South Africa 1
Photo Credit: Optus Sport
Italy
Italy Photo Courtesy: Al-Jazeera

Referee Maria Carvajal gave a free kick, but a quick video assistant referee intervention determined the infraction was committed within the penalty area, and Caruso calmly scored from the spot to put Italy in control of their World Cup destiny.

South Africa was awarded a leveller when Benedetta Orsi, playing her first World Cup match, played a no-look back ball to an unprepared Francesca Durante and it rolled into her own net.

Desiree Ellis’ team took the lead when Kgatlana slid a beautiful pass through the Italy defenders, putting Hildah Magaia through on goal, who raised it over Durante.

South 2
Italy Photo Courtesy: Al-Jazeera

VAR appeared to have saved South Africa when Caruso levelled from a corner, but the goal was awarded after a lengthy delay. When Magaia burst through the defence and squared it to Kgatlana, who made no mistake in reaching the back of the net, Italy’s hearts were crushed.

Source: BBC

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Andre Ayew is optimistic in the current Black Stars squad

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Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were eliminated early in the group stage. Nonetheless, Ayew, the team's current captain, feels that young stars like as Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are making key contributions as the Black Stars seek to reclaim their previous glory. Ayew reflected on the team's history, saying, "We dominated for several years." I was a member of this squad with the golden generation. Then there was the generation of Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah. "Now there is a new generation coming," Ayew stated on Canal+. Despite the great expectations put on the current squad, Ayew is optimistic about Ghana's future in football.

Andre Ayew has voiced faith in the current Black Stars team.

The Black Stars have recently performed below expectations in important events.

In the previous two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championships, the squad failed to go beyond the group stage in their quest to end the country’s trophy drought.

Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were eliminated early in the group stage.

Nonetheless, Ayew, the team’s current captain, feels that young stars like Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are making key contributions as the Black Stars seek to reclaim their previous glory.

Ayew reflected on the team’s history, saying, “We dominated for several years.” I was a member of this squad with the golden generation. Then there was the generation of Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah. “Now there is a new generation coming,” Ayew stated on Canal+.

Despite the great expectations put on the current squad, Ayew is optimistic about Ghana’s future in football.

“There is a lot of pressure.” Even though this generation dominated, we were unable to win. So this adds to the pressure and demands, and the country wants even more,” the Le Havre player revealed. Today’s players lack the experience of those I just highlighted,” he remarked.

Ayew emphasised the gap in experience between the current players and previous stalwarts, but he remained enthusiastic about the team’s prospects.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will reconvene in June for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

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We will overcome present obstacles – Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew affirms

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Despite recent failures, Ayew, who has over 100 caps for his nation, is confident in the team's resiliency. "The players begin by realising the significance of wearing this shirt, a symbol beloved by millions. "It's a heavy responsibility that requires strong shoulders," the 33-year-old said in an interview with Canal+. Ayew acknowledged the existing problems but offered confidence. "I know we'll make it back. We are going through a difficult time, but I am certain that we will get through it. Meanwhile, Andre Ayew will spearhead the team's recovery when they return in June for World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

Andre Ayew, Black Stars captain, is confident in his team’s ability to overcome barriers to their advancement.

The four-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions have come under fire in recent tournaments for poor performances, most notably failing to advance beyond the group stages in their previous three major events.

Despite great expectations, the Black Stars were eliminated from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Despite recent failures, Ayew, who has over 100 caps for his nation, is confident in the team’s resiliency.

“The players begin by realising the significance of wearing this shirt, a symbol beloved by millions. “It’s a heavy responsibility that requires strong shoulders,” the 33-year-old said in an interview with Canal+.

Ayew acknowledged the existing problems but offered confidence.

“I know we’ll make it back. We are going through a difficult time, but I am certain that we will get through it.

Meanwhile, Andre Ayew will spearhead the team’s recovery when they return in June for World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.

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Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead

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He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.

Romeo Ricky Roy, the fitness coach for Ghana’s senior national team, has died.

According to Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku’s Facebook post, he died in Accra on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Roy joined the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021, during Milovan Rajevac’s second spell as coach.

He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.

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