Sports

WWC: Zambia taught footballing lesson as Japan put five past Copper Queens

Published

1 year ago

July 22, 2023

It was a day to forget for the Zambian female national team at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as former champions, Japan romped to a 5-0 win over the Coach Bruce Mwape-tutored Copper Queens.

In the Group C match played on Saturday at the Waikato Stadium, Japan taught the Africans making their first appearance at the world stage a football lesson with a slick display of pass-and-move football producing three quick goals before the 77th-ranked Zambian ladies could settle down.

Japanese striker, Hinata Miyazawa scored twice and fellow forward Mina Tanaka found the net in the second half after having two earlier efforts called back for offside by VAR.

In the 71st minute, winger Jun Endo added the fourth and substitute Riko Ueki rounded up the pounding of the hapless Zambian ladies with the fifth goal from a penalty in stoppage time after Zambia goalkeeper Catherine Musonda had been red carded following reciept of two yellow cards.

Throughout the duration of the match, Zambia struggled to find its footing in its World Cup debut with star striker and captain, Barbra Banda isolated upfront and given tight attention by three Japanese defenders for much of the game, and ended the match without a single shot on target.

With the win, Japan, winners of the 2011 World Cup and runners-up in 2015,
joins Spain, who beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Wellington on Friday, at the top of Group C ahead of their second match of the tournament against the Central Americans in Dunedin on Wednesday.

In the post match interview, Coach Mwape said:

“We have not played well this evening. It’s not the end of the world, I’m sure we can still come back and fight for a qualification spot.”

But with zero points and a five-goal deficit, it remains to be seen if the Copper Queens can make it out of the group with matches against tournament favourites, Spain and Costa Rica still to come.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

14 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”