Black Princesses goalie, Konlan Cynthia Fiindib, explained the reason why she stepped out from the 18 yard box to prevent the ball with her hand to deny Lucy of the Ethiopian side from getting their equalizer in the Costal Rica FIFA World Cup last stage qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Abdulai Salamatu’s brace was enough for the Black Princess on the day, while Aregash Kalsa got the consolation goal, beating the Ethiopians 5-1 on aggregate.
Konlan Cynthia Fiindib, speaking at the post match interview, mentioned that she saved the situation with what she did.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank almighty God for this victory for helping us to qualify. On getting the red card, I’m sad, but I’m also happy about saving a situation. If I’m able to die for my nation, I think it’s a great achievement. For the referee to show me the exit, I don’t think there is anything to worry about it”.
“I knew, very well, I was out of the line because I wanted to save a situation. I was the last person on the pitch at that moment, and if I hadn’t stopped the ball with my hands, it would have resulted in a goal. It could have been a 2-2 drawn game; but we didn’t want to draw or lose our last game. That is why I sacrificed myself to the nation.”
Konlan also eulogized Ghanaians for describing her as the best goalkeeper in the qualifiers.
“For the media and the supporters to say I’m the best goalkeeper, I haven’t done anything yet. I still want to go forward; what I have done right now is what they are seeing. I wouldn’t put in mind I’m the best goalkeeper; I need to fight and train harder to move forward. Psychologically, the red card I was shown affected me a bit. But I believe that with time, I will be fine”.
“Moreover, this is the African qualifiers, I don’t know if it might follow me to the world cup stage. My colleagues are there, and for the first match If I should miss it, I know my teammate will make us all proud because we all train together”, she added.
Ewurama Acheampoma