Women's football world champions to participate in Ramadan festival

ABU DHABI // Japan, the 2011 women's World Cup champions, have confirmed their participation in the women's sevens tournament at the Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC) Ramadan Festival.

Japan, who defeated the United States 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 deadlock in July's final in Germany, were the last team to confirm, just hours before last night's closing date for entries.

They are expected to arrive on August 12, two days before the start of the competition, which has drawn two teams from Abu Dhabi Sports Club that would consist UAE internationals, Jebel Ali, Basha Travels, AFOC, the Egyptian club Adams and Team Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed, a side made up of Moroccan internationals.

Many of the teams are expected to field foreign professionals. The sides will be divided in two groups and the top two will advance to the semi-finals.

The men's competition, which has drawn 64 teams, will kick off on Friday night.

apassela@thenational.ae

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