Sinan RAJUB SENOGA
African representatives Morocco and Zambia have so far suffered the biggest defeats at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Morocco has today lost 6-0 to two time winners Germany in a Group H encounter played in Melbourne.
Ait El Haj and Yasmin Katie Mrabat were very unfortunate to score own goals while Alexandra Popp (brace), Klara Buhl and substitute Lea Schuler scored the other goals for the ruthless Germans.
Morocco who are first Arab nation to feature at the Women’s World Cup, will hope for redemption in their next game against South Korea.
Just like Morocco, Zambia’s Shepolopolo are making their debut at the World Cup but miserably lost to 2011 winners Japan in Group C in Hamilton on Saturday.
Hinata Miyazawa (brace), Mina Tanaka, Jun Endo and Riko Ueki scored for the Japanese while Zambia’s goalkeeper Catherine Musonda was sent off in the stoppage time.
Zambia’s pre-match preparations were marred by the news of their forward Grace Chanda who was ruled out of the tournament a few hours to kick off due to an unnamed sickness.
The other African representatives Nigeria held Olympic winners Canada to a goalless draw in Group B in Melbourne on Friday.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved Christiane Sinclair’s penalty in the 48th minute.
The West Africans were reduced to 10 players in the final minutes after youthful midfielder Deborah Abiodum was sent off for a harsh tackle on Ashley Lawrence.
South Africa also lost their game 2-1 to Sweden in Group G in Wellington.
Hildah Magaia put the Banyana Banyana in the lead in the 48th minute but the Swedes fought back through Fridolina Rolfo and Amanda Ilestedt.
Round 1 Results & Fixtures
Group A
• New Zealand 1-0 Norway
• Switzerland 2-0 Philippines
Group B
• Australia 1-0 Republic of Ireland
• Nigeria 0-0 Canada
Group C
• Spain 3-0 Costa Rica
• Zambia 0-5 Japan
Group D
• England 1-0 Haiti
• Denmark 1-0 Canada
Group E
• USA 3-0 Vietnam
• Netherlands 1-0 Portugal
Group F
• France 0-0 Jamaica
• Brazil 4-0 Panama
Group G
• Sweden 2-1 South Africa
• Italy 1-0 Argentina
Group H
• Germany 6-0 Morocco
• Colombia vs South Korea
