Colombia won the lottery of a penalty shootout after defender Comfort Folorunsho hit her kick against Luisa Agudelo in sudden death to send the South Americans into the final of the 7th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
Both teams had battled to a grim scoreless draw in Goa on Wednesday evening and just like it happened against the United States on Friday, the Flamingos’ coaching crew had thrown in second-choice goalie Linda Jiwuaku for the shootout and relieved the brilliant Faith Omilana.
In the opening minutes, Nigeria had more time on the ball but failed to test the Colombian goalkeeper.
In the 15th minute, Folorunsho almost caused a howler but Faith Omilana was there to save her blushes.
Play was then suspended in the 18th minute after there was a clash of heads between Edidiong Etim and Mary Espitaleta.
In the 29th minute, Omilana was once again there to keep the game level. She parried Espitaleta’s free kick to the crossbar before saving the rebound.
In the 44th minute, Colombia found the back of the net but it was ruled off for offside.
The second half resumed with Opeyemi Ajakaye replacing Tumininu Adeshina.
Nigeria once again got a scare as a misplaced pass by Shakirat Oyinlola was turned into a counter attack by Yesica Munoz but Omilana’s fingertips saved it.
In the 57th minute, Ajakaye saw her close range shot saved by Luisa Aguedo.
Omilana stopped Caicedo’s brilliant shot from putting the Colombians ahead in the 70th minute.
Once again Caicedo got her shot parried by Omilana in the 79th minute.
Bankole Olowookere brought on penalty specialists Edem Offiong and Chikamso Jiwuaku for Amina Bello and Faith Omilana respectively just before the end of the game.
Colombia defeated Nigeria 6-5 with Edafe and Folorunsho missing their kicks, while Offiong, Etim, Usani, Afolabi and Oyinlola converted from the spot.
Nigeria will play either of Spain and Germany in the third place of the U17 World Cup on Sunday by 12:00pm.
