Super Falcons whip Zambia 4-0 to revive 2019 AWCON hope
Nigeria’s Super Falcons yesterday bounced from the 1-0 defeat to South Africa by defeating the She-polopolo of Zambia 4-0 at the ongoing Africa Women Nations Cup in Cape Coast in Ghana.
Desire Oparanozie, Francesca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade and Okoronkwo were on the scoresheet at the Cape Coast Stadium to keep the defending African champions hopes alive.
Before their massive victory, the eight time champions were facing early exit from the 2019 AWCON.
In the opening minutes, Zambia stuck behind the ball waiting to capitalise on any error from the Nigerians who continued to dominate proceedings.
In the 41st minute, the dominance paid off when the France based forward Oparanozie fired a fierce shot past goalkeeper Nali after she was released by the USA based Francesca Ordega.
At the restart of the second half, the Super Falcons were a different side as Washinton Spirits’Ordega curled in the second goal of the evening after Oparanozie’s initial attempt kissed the side post in the 69th minute.
Ajibade who had come in as a substitute to replace Oparanozie made an instant impact as she fired home a missile for her first ever Africa Women Cup of Nations goal in the 75th minute.
Dalian Quanjian F.C striker, Asisat Oshoala who seemed jinxed uncharacteristically missed six open chances which she naturally would have scored.
However, substitute Amarachi Okoronkwo scored the fourth goal with the last kick of the game to ensure a comprehensive victory.
Ordega for her assist and goal for the Super Falcons was voted Man of the Match.
The last time both team met was at AWCON 2014 in Namibia and Nigeria triumphed 6-0 in Windhoek.
Group B will be decided in the final round of fixtures when Nigeria take on Equatorial Guinea on Saturday and will expect to defeat the former African champions who were bashed 5-0 by Zambia in their opening game.