Two of three African representatives to the third edition of the FIFA U-17 Women World cup in Azerbaijan have qualified from their groups to the quarter finals.
On Saturday, the flamingoes of Nigeria defeated South American Colombia 3-0 to top group A and progress to the next stage. Halimatu Ayinde’s second brace of the tournament was enough to secure 3 points. As assist from Chiwendu Ihezuo gave Ayinde her first goal in the 32nd minute. Ayinde scored her second before an own goal from Diana Duarte completed the rout.
“It was a difficult match, Nigeria are a fast and dynamic team and we knew it wouldn’t be easy… they can go very far” – Felipe Taborda, Colombia Coach.
Nigeria finished the group tops with 7 points from 3 games edging Canada who defeated Azerbaijan 1-0 to second on goal difference.
Ghana beat china 2-0 to recover from an opening game defeat and reach the Azerbaijan 2012 quarter finals after a Jane Ayieyam double. Ghana had beaten Uruguay 6-0 in their second group game and scored a goal in each half to beat china. This is the first time the Ghanaians would progress to the quarter finals.
The Gambia made the best of their last match in Azerbaijan. They lost 10-2 to France but scored their first goal in the tournament; Penda Bah the scorer. Sainey Sissohore also created record by being the youngest scorer of the FIFA U-17 WWC at the age of 13 years and 9 months.
Nigeria will tackle France on Thursday while Ghana will on Friday play Japan. Japan trounced Mexico 9-0 to be the only perfect team, scoring 17 goals and conceding none, winning all of their matches.

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