ESG Football Academy girls runner-up in Bahrain

MUSCAT: The ESG Football Academy under-16 girls travelled to Bahrain at the weekend to participate in the JPL GCC Cup.

It is the first time that an academy from Muscat have taken a girls team to participate in an international tournament, the ESG press release said.

Competing against seven other teams from across the GCC, they played a total of 16 games, which proved to be a great spectacle for girl’s

football in the Gulf.

After battling their way through the group stages, the ESG team eventually lost in the final of the Cup to strong competitors from Saudi Arabia who won every game over the weekend - apart from drawing with ESG in the group stages.

ESG coach Georgina said: “It has been gruelling weekend but such a fantastic experience for the girls. The bond and team spirit they displayed throughout was definitely a big factor in them progressing through the tournament. Along with the quality football they played at times, they showed immense character and determination."

"The girls exceeded everyone’s expectations and I’m absolutely delighted for all of them. They learned so much over the weekend and I’m confident that they will continue to improve as a team, given the experience of the tournament. They’re on a high right now and already looking forward to the next tournament in Abu Dhabi.”