World Cup: Colombia beat Nigeria to reach final

Colombia, on Wednesday, reached the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup final after defeating the Flamingos of Nigeria in the semi-finals of the competition.

Colombia defeated Nigeria 6-5 on penalty kicks after a goalless draw at Goa, India.

Defender Comfort Folorunso hit her kick against Luisa Agudelo to send the South Americans into the final match.

Just like it happened against the U.S. last Friday, the Flamingos’ coaching crew had thrown in second-choice goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku for the shootout and relieved Faith Omilana.

Omilana had virtually kept Nigeria in the tie with five big saves, with the Flamingos’ forwards failing to create many goal-scoring chances.

Defender Mary Espitaleta rocked the crossbar from 23 yards in the 29th minute as the South Americans poured forward.

Omilana also produced a crucial block to deny nifty captain Linda Caicedo with seven minutes left in the first period.

The goalkeeper further foiled Caicedo’s chances severally in the second-half, leading to penalty kicks to determine the winner of the match.

The Flamingos were a kick away from victory after Yesica Munoz saw her penalty saved by Jiwuaku, while Gabriela Rodriguez, Stefania Perlaza, Mary Espitaleta, and Linda Caicedo scored for Colombia.

Immaculata Offiong, Etim Edidiong, Miracle Usani, and Taiwo Afolabi scored for Nigeria, while defender Omamuzo Edafe, who had scored Nigeria’s winner against the United States in the quarter-finals, struck the upright.

Juana Ortegon later scored just as Shakirat Oyinlola did, but after Nathalia Hernandez beat Jiwuaku, Folorunso hit her kick against Agudelo’s body.

The Flamingos will now face the losers of the second semi-final match in Saturday’s bronze medal match.

The Star