Canada netted three goals in each half to secure a commanding 6-0 victory over Zambia in the Round of 16 clash on Wednesday, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with Brazil at the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in Sale, Morocco.
The winner of the Canada-Brazil match will then contend with either defending titleholder North Korea or 2014 champion Japan in the semifinals. Brazil triumphed over China with a 3-0 scoreline in their Round of 16 encounter.
Daniela Feria-Estrada found the back of the net twice, while Melisa Kekic, Mya Angus, Chloe Taylor, and Amy Medley each contributed a goal for Canada at the Football Academy Mohammed VI. The Canadian team showcased several impressive goals, although Kekic missed a penalty in the second half.
Canada has dominated its opponents with an 18-2 goal difference, securing four consecutive victories in the 24-team tournament.
In previous editions of the U-17 championship, Canada’s highest finish was fourth place in 2018 when they were defeated by Mexico in the semifinals. The team also reached the quarterfinal stage in 2008, 2012, and 2014.
Canada advanced to the knockout phase by finishing atop Group D, securing wins against Nigeria (4-1), Samoa (6-0), and France (2-1). Zambia progressed as one of the top four third-place finishers, following Japan and Paraguay in Group F.
During other Round of 16 matches on Wednesday, France caused an upset by defeating Spain in a penalty shootout, Mexico secured a 1-0 win over Paraguay, and Japan blanked Colombia 4-0.
Zambia, comprising entirely domestic-based players, recovered from losses against Paraguay (2-1) and Japan (1-0) with a convincing 4-0 win over New Zealand.
While Zambia displayed strong running capabilities, they struggled to pose a threat against Canada.
Canada Takes Lead with Counterattack
The first half experienced interruptions due to multiple injury stoppages, with Zambia’s Nana Malanda being substituted in the 34th minute.
Canada broke the deadlock in the 13th minute through a counterattack, as Olivia Chisholm’s precise pass set up Kekic to outmaneuver the Zambian defense. Kekic, who had previously missed a shot over the bar, capitalized on this opportunity by slotting a low shot past Zambia’s goalkeeper Loveness Chingwele.
Feria-Estrada extended Canada’s lead in the 30th minute, following a throw-in by Taylor that led to a goal-scoring opportunity. Although Kekic failed to connect with the ball, Feria-Estrada was in position to convert the chance.
Angus stretched Canada’s advantage to 3-0 in the 39th minute with a remarkable long-range strike from outside the penalty area, skillfully placing the ball beyond Chingwele’s reach into the top corner of the net.
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