Canada Women’s Under 17 side with a Clean Sweep in the Group Stage

Canada takes all three group stage games to win Group D

Salé, Morocco- It was a fantastic start for Canada’s Under-17 Women’s National Team as they faced all of their opponents in their group stage and won Group D. They were able to handle their opponents well, to make a strong push to get the top spot, and now will face a dangerous Zambia on Wednesday, October 29th, in the round of 16. All the matches were played at the Football Academy of Mohammed VI.

First Win was against Nigeria

The opening goal came from Canada’s Gabriela Istocki inside the second minute, but Nigeria found the equalizer in the 30th minute from Queen Joseph. But in the second half, it was all Canada, scoring three goals in 13 minutes. Melisa Kekic scored in the 73rd minute, then Julia Amireh got a brace in the 80th and 83rd minutes.

Canada ran all over Samoa

Their second match in the group stage was against Samoa of the Oceania Football Conference (OFC), and right away, it was no contest. A six-goal clean sheet destruction. Goals from Daniela Feria-Estrada, Olivia Chisholm, Lacey Kindel, Marika Martineau, and Amireh, with her third of the tournament, then an own goal by Samoa’s Mia Afoa.

Edging France to take the top spot

Canada took advantage of France and got the win. An early goal from Melisa Kekic in the 14th minute. In the second half, Canada got help from France as they put the ball into their own net by Oceane Moreau-Tranchant in the 53rd minute. Even though France pulled one back by Lea Morissaint ten minutes later, it wasn’t enough to force an equalizer.

Unfortunately for Canada, Reed Tingley was sent off on a straight red card in the 88th minute. But overall, this was one of the best group stage performances for Canada in their women’s under-17 division in a long time.

“We came into this tournament believing we could top the group. From the first whistle, the players showed incredible focus, commitment, and true unity, and I couldn’t be prouder. This result is a testament to how close-knit and determined this team is. I have full belief in this group’s ability to go all the way,” said Canada’s Under 17 head coach Jen Hurst.

Canada has won its group stage in a FIFA Youth Tournament before

This is the second time that Canada’s youth teams have won their group in a FIFA youth tournament. It was all the way back in 2002, when they swept the entire group stage. In this edition, Canada earned their first victory over France in a youth tournament. They also scored 12 goals, spread around by eight different goal scorers and helped out by the opposition in two matches for own goals.

Next match

Canada’s Under-17 Women’s team will now face Zambia on Wednesday, October 29th, at 8 PM Local Morocco time, 5 PM Eastern – 2 PM Pacific. They hope to continue their strong play and move on to the Quarterfinals.

Canada Soccer News:

• Jen Hurst is the new Canada Women’s U-17 Head Coach
• Jesse Marsch discusses October Friendly games against Australia and Colombia for CANMNT
• Canada Men’s National Team Returns to Montréal for Historic October Friendlies Against Top-Ranked Opponents

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