By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
While Africa is asleep, the Samba Girls of Brazil early Tuesday defeated the Nadeshiko of Japan 2-1 in an international friendly match played at Estadio Cicero de Souza Marques with no fewer than 8,412 spectators in attendance to watch the encounter.
The South American women’s football powerhouse Brazil’s two goals came in the second half as the Japanese proved a hard nut to crack even as the visitors put their noses in front early in the second half after Kaki Seike, assisted by A. Fujino scored in the 46th minute of the tie.
But the Brazilians fought back gallantly, and their persistent pressure forced Japan’s Ricky Ishikawa to score an own goal in the 54th minute, while Borges de Morais scored Brazil’s second goal in the 79th minute, assisted by Kerolin to give the host a 2-1 victory over Japan.
Also, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Casa de Apostas Arena Fonte Nova, Brazil will round off the May-June international friendlies with a game against the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica.
Elsewhere, Panama thrashed fellow South American nation Bolivia 5-1 early Tuesday with Renata Tanner scoring a brace in what looked like a one-sided game. She scored in the 48th minute via a penalty goal and another goal in the 90+2nd minute of the match.
Other Panama’s goals came through Shayari Camarena (1′), Karla Riley, who replaced Camarena in the (57′) and scored (60′ penalty), and midfielder Marta Cox (85′ penalty) although Bolivia’s only goal came in the (90′).
However, yesterday at GIO Stadium in Canberra, capital of Australia with 25, 125 fans present, Australia hammered Argentina 4-1 on the night with goals from A Sayer (14′ and 36′) E van Egmond (72′), and M Heyman (83′). Argentina reduced the tally through K Núñez (23′).
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