RANDY WALDRUM IS ADAMANT THE MOROCCO SOLD – OUT CROWD WILL NOT INTIMIDATE HIS SIDE
David Oku
Ahead of the Semi-final clash between the nine-time champions, Nigeria and the host nation of the 12th edition of the Total Energies Women’s African Cup of Nations, Morocco, coach of the Super Falcons, Randy Waldrum has dismissed suggestions that the raucous support of the home team could intimidate his side when they lock horns for a place in the final.
Coach Waldrum responding to questions after his side conquered an obdurate Cameroon on Thursday at the Mohammed V Stadium opined his side had seen such atmosphere during tours “So we fully expected it, we played Portugal in a large crowd, we went to Canada played two matches, it was sold out as they were celebrating their gold medal, so our players have played in big stages”
A record of 45, 000 graced the game which ensued between the Atlas Lionesses and the Mares of Botswana in the second quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Such has been the case for the home team en route to the semi-final, and will be banking on that as they test for size the 9-time champions, which Waldrum believes would not be challenging for his players who he noted ply their trades in clubs notable for such boisterous atmosphere “Some of our players play abroad, they don’t play in Nigeria, most of them are playing in clubs and front of big crowds, so obviously you want the fans on your side, so we know that’s not going to happen, but I think our players will respond fine with it.”
In the Super Falcon’s quarter-final encounter on Thursday, it was in the 55th minute that Okobi’s forward run and control, drew overwhelming attention to herself allowing Ajibade to sneak in at the near post, with Onumonu dropping deep and delivering the ball to the Atletico Madrid forward who had only one task, which was to finish, and so she did, connecting aptly and steering the ball goalwards, in and off the post for her third goal of the tournament making her the joint top scorer with Morocco’s captain, Ghizlane Chebbak.
Reynald Pedro’s led side found themselves level after 7 minutes in their clash with the Mares of Botswana on Wednesday, but still went ahead to win by 2-1 to set up a date with their more illustrious opponents with a view of winning their first title on home soil, a game expected to be a spectacle, pulsating and unpredictable with Randy Waldrum looking forward to it. “I think it’s going to be a great match and I’m looking forward to it.” He added.
The other semi-final sees the Copper Queens of Zambia square up against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa who equally eked out a win against the Tunisians and are set to conquer the continent, a quest that has seemed most elusive.
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