Sadiq Ibrahim strikes as Ghana defeats Colombia
6th October 2017, New Delhi: The opening game of FIFA U-17 World Cup started in a spectacular fashion as Ghana recorded a memorable 1-0 win over Colombia in the Group ‘A’ encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday evening. A goal in the 39th minute by Sadiq Ibrahim proved just enough for the Black Starlets to sink Los Cafeteros.
With more than 20000 school childrens present at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the opening game itself, the atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying. The match started off brightly with a superb end-to-end play display from both the outfits.
Colombia’s Robert Mejia attempted the first shot on target when his powerful shot from the edge of the box was easily saved by Ghana’s Custodian Danlad Ibrahim. A few minutes later, Ghana’s best performer of the night Sadiq Ibrahim fancied his luck from range when a poor pass from Colombia’s Goalkeeper Kevin Mier got intercepted by Black Starlets’ star man.
After a poor start, Colombia changed the match tempo and started to sit back in hope to launch a counter-attacking move. The first of those two almost opened the scoring for the Colombians. Leandro Campaz had a great opportunity to break the deadlock, not once, but twice. His first attempt went inches wide before he was set up again by Etilso Martinez.
But once again the attacker failed to beat Colombia’s Mier who was terrific between the sticks for the majority of the first-half. Ghana’s high intensity and free-flowing attack finally gave them the lead they deserved when a superb build-up play from Emmanuel Toku and Captain Eric Ayiah set up Sadiq Ibrahim, who comfortably tapped in from close range to send the crowd wild.
If the first-half saw a better-half of Ghana’s Sadiq Ibrahim, the second-half surely proved out to be his best one in Ghana’s colors. Quite reminiscent of the first goal’s build-up, it was Sadiq himself who set up Ayiah with a deadly ball across the goal, but the Ghanian Captain only managed to poke his effort wide.
A few moments later, Sadiq was once again denied by Colombia’s Custodian Mier before Los Cafeteros came close again to open their account. Yadir Meneses missed a glorious chance before substitute Santiago Barrero blasted his effort wide from six yards.
The Black Starlets defended for their lives in the last quarter of the game and registered a hard-fought 1-0 win to kick-off their campaign on a positive note.
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…