Zambia’s startling start to the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana got a rude shock on Wednesday, as goal from Desire Oparanozie, Francesca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade and Amarachi Okoronkwo gave Nigeria a 4-0 win in Cape Coast, footballlive.ng reports.
The Nigerian team entered them match on the downside of a shock 1-0 loss to South Africa, while Shepolopolo beat Equatorial Guinea 5-1 on the same day, but the odds were turned round when the Super Falcons went full throttle for a revival victory.
In came in grand style for the Super Falcons, as the eight-time winners and defending champions took the lead before the break when Ordega broke free from the left before she set up Oparanozie to strike home.
Woman of the match, Ordega doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 69th minute, after which Ajibade got off the bench to make hay in the 75th minute.
In stoppage time Okoronkwo fired home the fourth goal after Falcons star Asisat Oshoala had again been denied by Zambia’s goalkeeper, Nali.
Oshoala did everything but score, as she hit the side netting in the second half and was blocked by Shepolopolo captain, Nali in the eighth minute.
In the 20th minute, Falcons’ captain Onome Ebi’s header off a corner was held firmly by Nali.
Zambia held back the rampant Nigeria attack with their offside tactics and subdued performance after their sparkling display against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
Nonetheless, Wednesday’s result was a better performance for Zambia, who fell 6-0 to Nigeria when they last met four years ago.
