Guam earns win against Saudi Arabia in WAFF women’s tourney

[February 22, 2024 – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia] The Masakåda, Guam Women’s National Team, finished on a high note in its first-ever entry in the WAFF Women’s Championship by defeating host country Saudi Arabia 2-0 Friday at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team – they are a true picture of Masakåda and all it stands for,” said Kristin Thompson, Guam Women’s National Team Head Coach. “They played hard and in the end came out with a great win. These women have grown over the past few days of this tournament and have had such a great progression over the last couple months that all started with the training camp in Guam that carried over into the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, and now into WAFF that culminated with this win.

“This win belongs to all 23 players called up for the team, the coaching staff, all of their families, all of GFA, and truly, the whole island. Everyone can celebrate this win with us and take great pride in this team,” Thompson added.

Guam applied a high press for most of the match, menacing with Saudi Arabia’s back line that resulted in two goals put away by striker Mariah Anaya in the first half.

Before the match, both Guam and Saudi Arabia had been eliminated from playoff contention after back-to-back losses to Lebanon and Jordan in Group A play. Guam dropped its opener to Lebanon 4-3 and later lost to Jordan 3-0. Saudi Arabia lost to Jordan 3-1 on opening day and next to Lebanon 3-2. Jordan eventually finished at the top of the group with a 2-0 win over Lebanon on Match Day 3 for Group A.

“The whole tournament was such a great opportunity for us and we can’t thank WAFF and SAFF enough for inviting us and for being such great hosts,” Thompson said. “This team is going places – we don’t just participate anymore and we are not here just to compete, we are here to win.

In Group B play, Nepal and Palestine finished in first and second positions, respectively. Jordan is set to play Palestine in the first of two semifinal matches on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. local time (12 midnight, Feb. 28 Guam time). Nepal will play against Lebanon in the day’s late match set to kick off at 8 p.m. local time (3 a.m., Feb. 28 Guam time). Winning teams will move on to the tournament’s championship match on Feb. 29.

Both matches will be available to view via Internet Live Stream on WAFF’s official Youtube channel, @WAFFootball

For supporters wanting Guam National Team merchandise, many options – including authentic Masakåda jerseys – are on sale online at https://gufanshop.myshopify.com