Women’s international friendlies feature Olympic warm-ups

Japan v Ghana - Women's International Friendly
Aoba Fujino of Japan in action against Ghana at Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Among the Olympics warm-up friendlies, Sunderland’s Katie Kitching scored for New Zealand and Canada came from behind to beat Australia. 

Kitching netted a 67th-minute penalty to earn New Zealand a 1-1 draw with Zambia, who had struck first through Rhoda Chileshe.

Australia’s Sharn Freier had her goal cancelled out by Canada’s Nichelle Prince, before Evelyne Viens’ 85th-minute decider.

USA defeated Mexico 1-0 with a Sophia Smith goal just after the hour mark, Mallory Swanson playing her in to set up the opportunity. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had been honoured before the match for her 100th cap at the recent W Gold Cup.

International Friendly - United States v Mexico - Red Bull Arena
Sophia Smith (11 United States) celebrates her goal against Mexico. (Rebekah Wynkoop / SPP)

Japan were 4-0 winners over ten-player visitors Ghana, whose Portia Boakye was sent off midway through the first half. Mina Tanaka made the breakthrough after the interval, with Maika Hamano, Aoba Fujino and Riko Ueki adding one apiece.

Argentina were held 1-1 by Uruguay, taking the lead through Maricel Pereyra but with Belen Aquino levelling midway through the second half.

Ecuador won 2-1 in Colombia with goals by Jocelyn Espinales and Nayley Bolanyos, Daniela Montoya replying late on.

Chile scored four times in the first 47 minutes in Paraguay, who replied with a late consolation goal.

Senegal edged DR Congo 1-0 with a stoppage-time own-goal.

The twelve-team Olympic tournament kicks off on 25 July.

Other results:

Belize 2-0 Bermuda
Botswana 0-0 Tanzania
El Salvador 3-1 Peru
Liechtenstein 1-1 Namibia
Myanmar 1-1 India
Nicaragua 2-0 Panama
Russia 0-3 North Korea

Denmark, France and Iceland qualify for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

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