Mukarama
The national female U-17 team, the Black Maidens will take on New Zealand today, in their final group game of the ongoing FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in Uruguay.
With both sides already booking their spots for the quarter final stage of the competition, the game will determine occupant of the top spot and who will stay at the venue for the next round of matches.
The Maidens after resting on Saturday, returned for training on Sunday to prepare for the important fixture, hoping to finish on top of the group.
That would mean that, Coach Evans Adotey and his charges must prevent a defeat in the hands of the determined New Zealanders who also have their eyes glued on the top spot.
Scheduled for the Estadio Charrua in Montevideo, the match promises to be engaging as both teams have exhibited some exquisite attacking football.
It would also present an opportunity for the coaches to rest some of their regular players and give some playing time to those on the bench.
Thankfully, Fuseina Mumuni returned to training on Sunday after she was stretched off the field in the match against Finland; indicating Coach Evan Adotey would have a full house to choose from.
However, one player, whose position in the starting lineup could be automatic, may be the tournament’s leading goal scorer, Mukarama Abdulai.
Despite missing a couple of chances, Mukarama is a potential winner for the Golden Boot award and could be denied a rest in order to score to first of all confirm they top the group or boost her chances for the award.
Mukarama appears over confident after netting a hat-trick and a goal in the previous but would need to be more clinical in front of goal to ensure they secure all maximum points.
Nevertheless, her total contribution to the team has been remarkable, earning the Player of the Match in their two matches.
She is expected to lead the team to another victory as the Maidens beam with confidence ahead of today’s match and the upcoming quarter final encounter.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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