Flamingos Triumph with Late Winner
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory against hosts Dominican Republic during their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup group-stage match in Santo Domingo. The decisive goal came in the dying moments of the match, courtesy of midfielder Shakirat Moshood’s powerful strike, ensuring the Flamingos’ place at the top of Group A.
Moshood’s Late Heroics
The Flamingos dominated possession throughout the match, with Moshood playing a pivotal role. She pushed forward relentlessly, even after VAR disallowed her earlier goal in the 15th minute. In the 88th minute, Moshood found herself 25 yards out and unleashed a left-footed shot that flew past the Dominican goalkeeper, marking her fourth goal of the tournament.
Captain Afolabi’s Close Call
Captain Taiwo Afolabi seized a key opportunity to score, but the Dominican goalkeeper expertly saved her shot. The match saw the Flamingos maintain constant pressure, creating several chances, but the breakthrough only came in the final stages thanks to Moshood’s persistence and accuracy.
Flawless Group Stage Run
This victory marks the Flamingos’ third consecutive win in the tournament, following their earlier triumphs over New Zealand (4-1) and Ecuador (4-0). The Nigerian team finished the group stages with an impressive record, securing nine points, scoring eight goals, and conceding only once across all three matches.
Record-Breaking Attendance
The match set a new attendance record for any Dominican Republic national football team, with 13,535 fans filling the stadium to witness the exciting contest. Despite their loss, the Dominican Republic team received significant support from the home crowd throughout the game.
Flamingos to Face the USA in Round of 16
With their flawless group stage performance, the Flamingos now face a formidable challenge in the Round of 16 as they prepare to take on the United States. The two top teams are set to deliver a thrilling encounter in the highly anticipated quarterfinal match.
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