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In a repeat of their last eight tie of the India 2022 tournament, the USA overcame Nigeria’s Flamingos 2-0 to secure a semi-final spot at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Dominican Republic 2024.
This hard-fought win at CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros avenges their penalty shootout loss two years ago.
The USA had not reached the semi-finals since 2008, with this victory serving as a historic moment for Americans. While Nigeria put up a fierce defense, the Americans found just enough openings to make the difference.
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After minutes of good play from both sides, the game’s first real opportunity came almost half an hour in when Mary Long tested Nigeria’s goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma. Although Uzoma responded with a diving save, the USA kept pressing forward with much determination.
Minutes before the break, Jocelyn Travers was fouled in the box by tournament top scorer Shakirat Moshood. Thereafter, a penalty decision was reached after the referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
17-year-old Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller confidently stepped up and converted, putting the USA ahead just before halftime.
USA score second and secure victory
Nigeria came out strong in the second half, creating a big chance when captain Taiwo Afolabi capitalised on a mistake. However, USA goalkeeper Evan Osteen stretched wide to deny Afolabi’s attempt, thereby preserving the lead.
As Nigeria pushed higher up, USA began exploiting gaps in their defensive line, setting up another decisive moment. The Americans extended their lead when Fuller’s pass found Kimmi Ascanio. The San Diego Wave player found the net for USA’s second and her first goal of the tournament.
Tags: Flamingos, #U17WWC, USA, Christiana Uzoma, Jocelyn Travers, Kennedy Fuller, Mary Long, Jocelyn Travers, Dominican Republic, Shakirat Moshood, Taiwo Afolabi, Kimmi Ascanio, Evan Osteen, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcnews, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcsports.
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