Five-Star Super Falcons Dominate Zambia To Advance To WAFCON 2024 Last Four
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
Nigeria delivered an exceptional performance, defeating Zambia 5-0 in a remarkable Women Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match in Casablanca on Friday evening – a performance that propelled the nine-time champions into the semi-finals while sending the once-feared Zambians packing.
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The outcome left Africa astonished, as the Zambians, who had displayed remarkable strength, skill, and determination in their previous three matches, were completely overwhelmed and left in the dust as early as halftime.
Towering defender Osinachi Ohale, who scored during the Super Falcons’ 6-0 victory over Zambia in a group stage match in Namibia 11 years ago, rose above the rest to make a deft header from Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way just 100 seconds into the match.
The Nigerian team celebrated joyfully, and from that moment on, they never looked back. They pressed the Zambians relentlessly from the flanks and through the midfield, and even when Zambia managed a couple of rare attempts on goal in the 21st and 30th minutes, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and her defensive unit handled the situation effectively.
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Jennifer Echegini put in a tremendous effort in midfield, working in tandem with Halimatu Ayinde and Okoronkwo, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade led the team with her usual poise, supported by Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folasade Ijamilusi, who made their first starts and were always ready to challenge the Zambian defense.
Nigeria secured the second goal they had earned in the 33rd minute, and it was a textbook example of teamwork. Echegini aggressively seized the ball in midfield, found Ashleigh Plumptre, who then passed to her captain. Ajibade lofted the ball into the box, where Okoronkwo expertly chested it down and swiftly finished into the far corner.
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Before halftime, the score was 3-0. Nnadozie launched a long ball from her area, which was inadvertently redirected backward by a Zambian defender, allowing Chinwendu Ihezuo the chance the score.
Second half header from Tosin Demehin and another goal by Folashade Ijamilusi secured the 5-0 win as both players scored their first ever goal for the Super Falcons.
The nine time African champions will face either defending champions, South Africa or Senegal in the semi final.
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