Again, Falcons defender, Ogbonna shines in Kalmar’s goalless draw vs Umeà

By Harry Awurumibe, Africa’s No.1 Women Football Journalist

Super Falcons defender Akudo Ogbonna has again put up a sterling performance as her Sweden club, IFK Kalmar on Friday took a point in a leagu match against fellow Elitettan top team, Umeà as both clubs played out a goalless draw at Gröndal’s IP.

IFK Kalmar which is currently ranked 14th in the league went into the match against Umeå IK ranked 3rd position looking for three points but has to settle for a point which feels like three points, thanks to Ogbonna’s impressive display at the rear where she did a yeoman’s job by not allowing the opponents to breach Kalmar’s defence line which earned her 7.7% out of 10% rating at the end of the tie.

Kalmar’s club manager,  Nicklas Andersson who spoke to Sportsrevelation after the match revealed that the which has had so many setbacks since the season started regarded the one point as full points.

According to him one point is worth its weight in gold, saying attacker

Valentina Metaj who was, as always, in the offensive, but failed to break the deadlock against Umeå.

Said he” Valentina Metaj was, as always, in the offensive, but failed to break the deadlock against Umeå. IFK Kalmar autumn season 2024 has turned to something completely different from IFK Kalmar spring season 2024.

“After the mid-season break, there has been an honorable loss against Malmö FF but victories against both Bollstanäs and Sunnanå before a very strong point against Umeå, which is one of three giants in the league.

Speaking further Andersson said that head coach Zacharias Svensson has got some good players during the summer, pointing out that “this Friday evening all the new signings impressed, while Akudo Ogbonna was a giant in central defense together with Kajsa Nilsson.

Commenting on the match against Umeå, Valentina Metaj disclosed that: “We have brought in a lot of routine that dares to talk and that moves the team forward. We’ve gotten a lot better at praising each other, and if someone takes a tackle or a duel, we’re right there yelling. I think such things are important”.

Asked if it feels like a completely different IFK Kalmar than just a few months ago, she said: “A lot has changed. We have brought in new players who have come in with really good energy and raised the team at least ten levels. It has actually helped a lot”.