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BY MONICA IHEAKAM
It is time to write a new chapter in women’s football, as South Africa women’s team, Bayana Bayana and Sweden , do the honours of kicking the first ball at the legendary Maracana Stadium(Olympic Stadium) in Rio de Janerio, 48 hours before the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Twelve nations compete across the country, from the Amazon in Manaus to the coasts of Rio de Janeiro, to kick off a month when the world stops to celebrate sport.
Debutants Zimbabwe, the other Africa flag bearer in the women’s football event of the summer games, will begin their own campaign against Germany at the Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo.
In the other group matches , all eyes will be on the five-time Women’s World Player of the Year. Marta as she leads host country Brazil against China.
Having taken silver on two occasions at the Olympic football tournament, the opening match against a tough Chinese team will be crucial in setting the tone for a campaign in which the hosts are desperate to win gold in front of their home fans.
At the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, USA goalkeeper, Hope Solo will be gunning for her 4th Olympic title as they lock horns with New Zealand while European heavy weights, France face a rapidly developing Colombia team.
Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro set for the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games, with 207 nations set to participate at the event which runs from Friday, August 5 to Sunday, August 21.
