Queens hoping to be third time lucky

Owvein, Delta State, Nov 11, GNA - Ghana's Black Queens will be hoping to be third time lucky when they meet the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the final match of the African Women Championship at the Warri City Stadium today to determines who rules the continent for the next two years.

The duel is the Ghanaians third outing at the finals of the biannual competition which have been won four times by the Falcons. For the Queens, the clarion cry remains 'Now or Never', and when they zoom into action, their motive will be to sweat for that important victory that will break the monopoly the Nigerians enjoy.

The Nigerians are favoured ahead of the Queens who are yet to play to their potential so far in the competition.


Whilst Ghana has found the net seven times in four games, the Nigerians have scored 17 goals so far with both sides conceding two goals each.


The odds on paper favour the defending champions (Falcons) but matches involving the two countries often do not follow the set pattern and it is on this score that the Queens believe that what the pundits have termed as impossible can be possible.


Both teams will represent Africa in the next FIFA World Cup billed for the Republic of China in 2007 and when skipper Adjoa Bayor and her charges get onto the field, their objective will be to wrestle power from the Nigerians with a fine play.


The Falcons will be expected to ride on their usual loud home partisan crowd and their swift style of play to undo the Queens but one fine strength the Ghanaians have consistently exhibited throughout is their durability and ability to soak pressure - a trait coach Isaac Paha said made the difference when they pipped South Africa 1-0 at the semi final stage of the competition.

All things been equal, the Queens defence which will be welcoming back experienced Yaa Avoe will need to keep an eye on the Falcons attack that operates from the flanks where leading scorer of the competition, Cynthia Uwak has proven to be a master of her own.


Mavis Danso, Olivia Amoako and Aminatu Ibrahim will sure need to also police Perpetua Nkwocha whose potency upfront and effectiveness on the field remain a mystery.


If past meetings involving the teams are anything to go by, then chances will be scanty on Saturday and it therefore behoves on the Queens trio of skipper Adjoa Bayor, Sheila Okine and Florence Okoe to ensure they tide up the midfield, cut ball supplies and feed Ghana's attack that will likely parade sensational Anita Amankwaa who has scored four times so far to notch in the goals to make the difference. The Nigerian's defence has shown an admirable composure so far and the Queens attack that will include Ramunatu Tahiru and Doreen Awuah must be well aware by now that playing it simple and converting chances will be the only way to cause that upset they so much desire.


The battle lines have been drawn and the Queens will no doubt require yet another alertness and splendid performance from goalkeeper Gladys Enti who proved their saviour in their semi final win over South Africa to combine a strong force enough to make victory a reality come Saturday.


Kick Off time is 2pm on Saturday.