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The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Hosts Morocco to take on Nigeria in African women's final
FILE PHOTO: May 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie (22) walks off the pitch during the second half against the Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images/File Photo RABAT (Reuters) -Morocco and Nigeria will meet on Saturday to decide the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after both came through gritty semi-final encounters on Tuesday. Hosts Morocco edged Ghana on penalties at Rabat's Stade Olympique while earlier Nigeria ended the reign of defending champions South Africa with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in their clash in Casablanca. Michelle Alozie's floating free kick was missed by both the onrushing Nigerian attacker and the South African goalkeeper and floated into the net for the winner four minutes into stoppage time. Rasheedat Ajibade had given nine-time winners Nigeria the lead from the penalty-spot on the stroke of halftime, before South Africa struck back with a spotkick of their own in the 60th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo. Just as it seemed extra time would be needed, Alozie floated a cross deep into the box that beat South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who was under pressure from two Nigerian forwards. Ghana had not been given much chance against Morocco, who were supported by a capacity crowd, but took a 26th-minute lead through Stella Nyameke. Morocco came back to equalise after halftime through Sakina Ouzraoui and then won 4-2 on penalties after extra and South Africa will decide third place in Casablanca on Friday with the final in Rabat on Saturday. The tournament was originally set for last year but postponed because it clashed with the women's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. The next Women's Cup of Nations is scheduled to be played in Morocco again next year. (Editing by Toby Davis)
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Hosts Morocco to take on Nigeria in African women's final
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: May 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie (22) walks off the pitch during the second half against the Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images/File Photo RABAT - Morocco and Nigeria will meet on Saturday to decide the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after both came through gritty semi-final encounters on Tuesday. Hosts Morocco edged Ghana on penalties at Rabat's Stade Olympique while earlier Nigeria ended the reign of defending champions South Africa with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in their clash in Casablanca. Michelle Alozie's floating free kick was missed by both the onrushing Nigerian attacker and the South African goalkeeper and floated into the net for the winner four minutes into stoppage time. Rasheedat Ajibade had given nine-time winners Nigeria the lead from the penalty-spot on the stroke of halftime, before South Africa struck back with a spotkick of their own in the 60th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo. Just as it seemed extra time would be needed, Alozie floated a cross deep into the box that beat South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who was under pressure from two Nigerian forwards. Ghana had not been given much chance against Morocco, who were supported by a capacity crowd, but took a 26th-minute lead through Stella Nyameke. Morocco came back to equalise after halftime through Sakina Ouzraoui and then won 4-2 on penalties after extra and South Africa will decide third place in Casablanca on Friday with the final in Rabat on Saturday. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Life Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's bat-biting frontman turned reality TV star, dies aged 76 Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The tournament was originally set for last year but postponed because it clashed with the women's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. The next Women's Cup of Nations is scheduled to be played in Morocco again next year. REUTERS
The Star
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-US-Mexico Gold Cup final will see World Cup co-hosts vying for validation
FILE PHOTO: Jul 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; A detail view of the Gold Cup Trophy at NASA Space Center Houston. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images/File Photo (Reuters) - When the United States and Mexico clash in Sunday's Gold Cup final at NRG Stadium in Houston, far more than regional bragging rights will be at stake — the 2026 World Cup co-hosts desperately need to prove they belong on soccer's biggest stage, with the tournament less than a year away. The CONCACAF championship clash comes at a crucial time, with both teams having bypassed the challenging World Cup qualifying rounds — as they are already guaranteed a place — that typically prepare teams for football's grandest event. The stakes feel particularly weighty following setbacks at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Mexico crashed out in the group stage, while the United States fell to the Netherlands in the round of 16. The historic rivalry between the two North American neighbours has become the defining narrative of the Gold Cup. Of their seven title clashes since its inception in 1991, Mexico has won five. "El Tri" will aim to extend their dominance and avenge their 1–0 extra-time loss to the U.S. in the 2021 final. The U.S., meanwhile, are eager to lift the trophy after missing out on a place in the CONCACAF Nations League final following their semi-final defeat to Panama in March. COMPETITIVE TEST Mexico's manager, Javier Aguirre, understands what a potential victory would mean for the team. "Securing the title would give us momentum and show that the work we've done hasn't been meaningless," he told reporters on Thursday. "We've been sharp in training, the group is committed, and there's a strong sense of unity — almost like a family." Reaching the final represents a notable improvement for the U.S. team under Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge in September and has orchestrated an unexpected journey despite missing around a dozen regulars. "This roster deserve massive credit to have reached the final," the former Chelsea manager said after Wednesday's 2-1 semi-final victory against Guatemala. Key absentees include AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, who requested time off, while Juventus' Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, plus Borussia Dortmund's Gio Reyna, were prevented from participating because FIFA prioritised the overlapping Club World Cup. For Mexican-American forward Diego Luna, who scored both goals against Guatemala, the match will carry special significance. "Growing up seeing the USA-Mexico games, to be able to play in one would be unreal," Luna told Fox Sports on Thursday. Sunday's final serves as the ultimate dress rehearsal before both nations take centre stage in the largest-ever World Cup next year - a historic tournament that will span across North America, with Canada as the third co-host. (Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
