Dadson Sends Maidens To World Cup

The Black Maidens last Saturday defied all odds to beat their Cameroonian counterparts by two goals to one in Yaounde to become the second African squad to qualify for the first-ever women’s Under-17 World Cup. Nigeria were the first to qualify after three games. Information reaching DAILY GUIDE SPORTS from Yaounde indicated that the Lionesses of Cameroon were the first to open scoring in the 26th minute through their entertaining right winger, Enganamout Gaelle who converted home a free-kick from 20 yards. The Ghanaians got the equalizer 10 minutes later when Fordjour Isha headed the ball past advancing Cameroonian goalkeeper Jumbone Julienne. After recess, Cameroonians dominated proceedings for over 15 minutes but failed to increase the tally until the Maidens’ tall striker Florence Dadson scored the winning goal from a corner perfectly taken by Mercy Miles in the 85th minute to send Ghana to the first ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be staged in New Zealand from October 28 to November 16, 2008. However, prior to last Saturday’s decider, the Black Maidens who lost the first leg by 1-2 to the same Cameroonian team in Accra last month, were at the bottom of the three-team group with three points; but were still in contention because Nigeria and Cameroon had 7 and 4 points respectively. Sources close to the world soccer governing body, FIFA, indicated that with this victory over the Cameroonians, the Black Maidens who have 6 points, will be paired in group B of the final tournament alongside Korea DPR, Germany and Representative from the Confederation of the North, Central America and Caribbean Football Association (CONCACAF). Maidens lined up: Patricia Mantey, Mercy Miles, Kobblah Hillia, Atovor Edem, Eshun Linda, Coleman Hellen, Elizabeth Cudjoe, Suleman Samira, Elizabeth Addo, Florence Dadson (Owusu Rhoda) and Fordjour Isha