Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a resilient display to defeat Zambia 1-0 despite playing with 10 women for more than half of the match, keeping alive their hopes of retaining the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
The Group C encounter at the Al Medina Stadium saw the defending champions bounce back with a hard-fought victory after suffering a numerical disadvantage following the dismissal of defender Blessing Demehin in the 40th minute.
Demehin received a straight red card for bringing down Zambia’s star striker, Barbra Banda, as the Copper Queens threatened to break through on goal.
Nigeria had already taken the lead through six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, who struck in the eighth minute.
The experienced forward raced past two defenders before seeing her initial effort blocked by goalkeeper Hazel Nali. However, the rebound ricocheted off Oshoala’s leg and rolled into the net to hand the Super Falcons an early advantage.
Despite being reduced to 10 players before halftime, the Nigerians defended resolutely to preserve their slim lead and secure all three points.
The result leaves Malawi on top of Group C with six points after two matches, while Nigeria and Zambia have three points each. Egypt remain without a point heading into the final round of group fixtures.
Earlier on Saturday, Malawi strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout stage with a 3-1 victory over Egypt.
Malawi also finished the game with 10 players after Rose Alufandika was sent off early in the second half, but still had enough quality to claim maximum points.
Rose Kadzere and Faith Chinzimu gave Malawi a two-goal cushion before star striker Temwa Chawinga added a third after the break.
Egypt pulled one back through Eman Kassem, who scored the North Africans’ first goal of the tournament.
Nigeria will face Egypt in their final Group C match, while Malawi take on Zambia in a decisive southern African clash that will determine the group’s final standings.
The Super Falcons, who are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, must avoid defeat against Egypt to boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
AFP
