The Colombian Amputee National Team claimed the championship title in the first Women’s Amputee Football World Cup, held in Barranquilla. The victory over the United States was sealed with a decisive penalty by Nelfi Guarnizo, a native of San Vicente del Caguán, who fulfilled her dream of becoming a champion.
In May, while training with the team in Medellín, Guarnizo expressed her desire to play in the World Cup and become the team’s top scorer. “I want to play in the World Cup, and I know that with my teammates, we will give everything to fight for the title,” she stated at the time. Today, her prediction came true.
Nelfi Guarnizo, who had dreamed of becoming a professional player since the age of 4, suffered a motorcycle accident at 14, which led to the amputation of her left leg. However, her passion for soccer never faded, and with the announcement of the Amputee World Cup in Barranquilla, her hope of becoming a champion in the sport she loves was rekindled.
Under the leadership of Kelly Johana Peduzine, the Colombian team kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament, achieving key victories against Poland (1-0), Brazil (4-0), and Peru (4-0). In the semifinals, they defeated Kenya 1-0 in a hard-fought match, securing their place in the final against the United States.
In the final match, the Colombians drew 1-1 with a goal by Jennifer Coronado, taking the game to a penalty shootout. With flawless performance, Colombia triumphed 4-3, winning the FIFA-endorsed tournament and establishing themselves as the first champions in women’s amputee football, celebrated for their courage and spirit of inclusion.
All matches can be streamed on the World Amputee Football Federation’s Youtube channel.
