The first day of group fixtures at the Cyprus Women’s Cup on 27 February included a 5-0 win for Italy over Mexico and a 4-1 defeat of Nigeria at the hands of Austria.
Group A
South Africa 2-2 Finland
North Korea 4-2 Czech Republic
Group B
Mexico 0-5 Italy
Thailand 4-0 Hungary
Group C
Belgium 3-0 Slovakia
Nigeria 1-4 Austria
Kim Jun-mi’s 94th-minute goal – her second of the game – sealed North Korea’s win over Czech Republic. Ju Hyo-sim and Ri Hyang-sim also scored, while there were replies from Eva Bartoňová and Tereza Szewieczková.
There were three goals in the last 20 minutes as South Africa and Finland shared the points. Bristol City’s Juliette Kemppi and Chelsea’s Adelina Engman netted for the Finns, a Leandra Smeda penalty and Thembi Kgatlana came in response.
Italy broke the deadlock against Mexico on half time through Valentina Bergamaschi, Barbara Bonansea hit a 28-minute hat-trick and Ilaria Mauro completed the scoring. Click here for highlights.
Rattikan Thongsombut scored in each half in Thailand’s 4-0 result over Hungary, Orathai Srimanee and Suchawadee Nildhamrong also registering.
Nina Burger, Nicole Billa, Laura Feiersinger and Jennifer Klein shared the spoils in Austria’s clear win over Nigeria, for whom Asisat Oshoala got a consolation.
A Janice Cayman brace helped Belgium beat Slovakia 3-0, Liverpool’s Yana Daniels on target in added time.
The second round of group games are on 1st March.
