Soccer News of Sunday, 16 March 2008

Source: GNA

Memunatu weeps bitterly after defeat

Abuja, March. 16, GNA- Ghana's Black Queens goalkeeper, Memunatu Sulemana, wept uncontrollably moments after Nigeria's Super Falcons ended her side's dream of making a maiden Olympic Games appearance. Sulemana, who made incredible saves reserved for genius, could not stand the pain of the defeat, after Ghana lost the game 0-2 at the Abuja Stadium on Saturday.

The goalkeeper, who refused to exchange pleasantries after the game rushed straight to the dressing room with her face partially covered with her jersey obviously rueful of the missed opportunity. Sulemana, who fared excellently all afternoon was let down by a team that lacked bite, urgency and enthusiasm in the game they required only a draw to progress at the expense of Nigeria, who would now be making a third appearance at the Games.

The goalkeeper had stood between Nigeria and victory until the Ugandan referee, Aisa Mabikko aided the host to grab the first goal after ignoring a foul on Memunatu and a subsequent hand ball that must have gone against Nigeria.

The player was understandably mad after the first goal, but proved her quality during the game with amazing saves, which even the Nigerians applauded in appreciation of her ingenuity. Ghana would now play Brazil in a play-off to determine who qualifies to the quadrennial games. 16 March. 08