THE Flamingoes of Nigeria, for the second time in the ongoing fifth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, fired blank as they settled for a barren draw with England in a group C game decided on Tuesday at the Prince Mohammed International Stadium, Al Zarqa.
The Bala Nikyu-side had lost 0-1 to Brazil in the group opener, as Nigeria is left with other option, than to beat Korea DPR in the last group game on Saturday billed for 2pm Nigeria time.
Nigeria remains last on the table with only a point.
The Korea girls also on Tuesday stunned many soccer fans as they defeated Brazil 1-0 to lead the group with four points, while the young Samba girls slipped to the second spot on three points.
The Flamingoes on Saturday will now have to go for the maximum points to finish with four points, but they still require a better goal advantage to scale through and pray for Brazil to beat England.
The Koreans only need a draw to advance on Saturday and finish with five points, while Brazil need to beat England. The English side equally needs to beat Brazil to advance provided Korea and Nigeria game end in a draw.
However, should Nigeria beat Korea and Brazil beat England, the Flamingoes will finish second behind Brazil, on head-to-head rule at the expense of Korea as both sides will finish with four points apiece.
The Flamingoes were able to raise their game against England, but still lacked the scoring initiatives to finish well in front of goals.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade would have secured the lead in the 16th minute of the game, but goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was well positioned to save the situation.
Meanwhile, Ghana came from behind to produce one of the biggest shocks of Jordan 2016 thus far by beating USA 2-1 in Amman.
The victory has brightened the hope of the young Black Maidens who started with a 0-5 loss to Japan, to qualify for the quarter-final if they win their last game against Paraguay on Saturday.
Japan has already qualified for the quarter-final following another 5-0 drubbing of Paraguay on Tuesday.
Ghana after conceding a fifth minute goal through Frankie Tagliaferri levelled up in the 64th minute through Gifty Acheampong’s header, while captain Owusu-Ansah secured win in the 84th minute after a spot kick.
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