11/2/10

Jordan clinch soccer crown - By Rami Hulayye

JORDAN edged past Egypt 1-0 last night to win the gold medal in the Women's Football Cup Arabia 2010.
In an exciting final, held at the National Stadium in Riffa, Stephanie Mazen fired the all-important goal which gave Jordan an exclusive training camp in Germany in the run-up to the 2011 Women's World Cup.
Playing in front of thousands of cheering supporters, both teams headed into the tournament's final seeking the prestigious trophy.
The Jordanians, coached by Maher Abu Hantash, were looking to avenge their 0-1 defeat to the Egyptians in the last match of Group 'B' earlier in the tournament which saw their side finish second in the group.
It was the Egyptians who started the match on a high note as they dominated the proceedings, thanks to some outstanding teamwork led by their midfielder Engy Ahmed.
Skipper Ahmed was back in the Egyptian squad after serving a one-match ban, missing her team's semi-final match against Palestine which ended for Egypt 4-0.
Egypt's coach Ahmed Kamaleldin started the game with only one striker, Nesma Atef Ibrahim, who was supported by talented attacking midfielders Fadwa Ibrahim, Ingy Hussain, Yasmine Samir and Fayza Elnady.
But the Egyptians faced a solid defence from the opposition, marshalled by Farah Yahya and behind her the goalkeeper and skipper Mis'da Naseem who brought off several fine saves.
The Jordanians came back roaring in the second half and their efforts proved more dangerous with Shahnaz Yaseen, the tournament's fastest player, making most of the team's inroads.
Yaseen's first threatening move came in the eighth minute, but her shot went past the post.
The Jordanian midfielder again made another serious effort in the 29th minute when she used her high pace to evade the Egyptian defence on the right flank, only to see her finish denied by goalkeeper Fawkia Amri.
Mazen then nearly gave Jordan the lead just before half time when she finished off a solo effort on the far left corner with a powerful shot which was bravely foiled by goalkeeper Amri.
The game continued to be a neck-and-neck affair and with nine minutes remaining, Mazen explored her skills with a flying kick from the edge of the box which went into the roof of the net, much to the joy of the Jordanian players, officials and fans.
With just a few minutes left, Egypt pressed forward seeking a late equaliser, but all their efforts were denied by the Jordanian defence.
The final was held under the patronage of Princess Sabika bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Women's Supreme Council chairwoman, who delegated Shaikha Hussa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.
Shaikha Hussa, who honoured the top three teams at the awarding ceremony, congratulated the winners and wished others success in future championships.
Source: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=290386