Jamani Strikes In Canadian Rout Over Panama

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s World Cup Team today defeated Panama 6-0 at the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Costa Rica. Canada’s second win in the tournament guarantees a spot in the semi-finals on Wednesday, March 3rd. Young 16-year old Aysha Jamani of Calgary led the rout with four goals.



In the 13th minute, Christine Latham beat Panamanian goalkeeper Monica Franco after receiving a chip from Andrea Neil for Canada’s first of the match.



Jamani in only her fifth appearance for Canada scored her first with an open net shot off a rebound in the 22nd minute.



Canada’s third came in the 25th minute, when Marie-Eve Nault sent the ball towards Panama’s net where Neil headed the ball into the left corner. Neil, in her 97th appearance for Canada is second only to Charmaine Hooper who is now at 112 caps.



On a cross by Nault, Jamani scored her second with an easy touch in the 51st minute.



Panama’s first real opportunity was stopped by defender Sharolta Nonen after Canadian goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc was caught far out from the net in the 57th minute.



Franco would leave an open net for Jamani’s third goal after blocking a shot by Latham in the 67th minute.



Jamani marked her fourth of the game in the 75th minute with a solo effort up the left side and an easy right footed finish.



Following a foul committed on Jamani in the penalty area in extra time, Melissa Tancredi was unable to add to Canada’s rout after a missed a penalty kick.



LeBlanc earned her 15th shutout for Canada.



On Friday, Mexico and the United States both earned semi-final berths with wins over Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti respectfully.



Canada will finish Group A play on Monday, March 1st against tournament host Costa Rica.



February 28, 2004 – CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying

Eladio Rosabal Cordero

San Jose, Costa Rica

Canada 6 (3)

Panama 0 (0)

Cautions: Canada-Morneau (63), Latham (83)

Goals: Canada – Latham (13); Jamani (22, 51, 67, 75); Neil (25)

Canada: 1-Karina Leblanc; 2-Christine Latham; 3-Carmelina Moscato; 5-Andrea Neil (4-Veronique Maranda, 63); 6-Sharolta Nonen; 8-Marie-Eve Nault; 10-Charmaine Hooper (C) (15-Kara Lang, 46); 11-Randee Hermus (7-Isabelle Morneau, 62); 13-Diana Matheson; 14-Aysha Jamani; 17-Melissa Tancredi; Head coach: Even Pellerud.

Subs not used: 9-Rhian Wilkinson; 12-Christine Sinclair; 16-Brittany Timko; 18-Tanya Dennis; 20-Taryn Swiatek; 22-Erin McLeod



Women’s Olympic Qualifying Results/Schedule



Wednesday, February 25

Mexico 5, Haiti 0

USA 7, Trinidad & Tobago 0



Thursday, February 26

Canada 6, Jamaica 0

Costa Rica 6, Panama 1



Friday, February 27

Mexico 8, T & T 1

USA 8, Haiti 0



Saturday, February 28

Canada 6, Panama 0

Costa Rica vs. Jamaica – Nacional (3:00 p.m. CT)



Sunday, February 29

Haiti vs. Trinidad & Tobago – Nacional (1:00 p.m. CT)

USA vs. Mexico – Nacional (3:00 p.m. CT)



Monday, March 1

Jamaica vs. Panama – Eladio Rosabal Cordero (6:00 p.m. CT)

Costa Rica vs. Canada – Eladio Rosabal Cordero (8:00 p.m. CT)



Wednesday, March 3

Semifinal #1 (A1 vs. B2) – Nacional (12:00 Noon CT)

Semifinal #2 (B1 vs. A2) – Nacional (2:30 p.m. CT)



Friday, March 5

Third – Place Eladio Rosabal Cordero (6:00 p.m. CT)

Final – Eladio Rosabal Cordero (8:00 p.m. CT)



CONCACAF Final Round Women’s Olympic Qualifying Standings

Group A

Team tWtLtTtPTStGFtGAtGD

CAN t2t0t0t6t12t0t+12

CRCt1t0t0t3t6t1t+5

PANt1t1t0t0t1t12t-11

JAMt0t1t0t0t0t6t-6



Group B

TeamtWtLtTtPTStGFtGAtGD

USAt2t0t0t6t15t0t+15

MEXt2t0t0t6t13t1t+12

HAIt0t2t0t0t0t13t-13

TRIt0t2t0t0t1t15t-14