Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal as Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia despite playing with 10 players for much of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C clash on Saturday in Rabat.
The defending champions were reduced to 10 players in the 40th minute after defender Blessing Demehin received a straight red card for bringing down Zambia’s star forward, Barbra Banda, at the Al Medina Stadium.
Despite being a player short, the Super Falcons held firm to secure all three points and keep their hopes of winning a record-extending 11th WAFCON title alive.
Following the second round of matches, Malawi lead Group C with six points, while Nigeria and Zambia have three points each. Egypt remain without a point ahead of the final group matches on Wednesday.
Nigeria will face Egypt in their last group game, while Malawi take on Zambia in a decisive southern African showdown.
Oshoala, the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute. She burst past two defenders before goalkeeper Hazel Nali blocked her initial effort, but the rebound bounced off her right leg and rolled into the net.
Earlier in the day, Malawi strengthened their position at the top of the group with an impressive 3-1 victory over Egypt.
Star forward Temwa Chawinga played a key role in the win, providing an assist before adding her name to the scoresheet.
Malawi took the lead in the 35th minute through Rose Kadzere, who converted Chawinga’s pass, before Faith Chinzimu doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time.
The Malawians were reduced to 10 players in the 52nd minute after Rose Alufandika was sent off for bringing down Habiba Essam as the last defender.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Malawi extended their lead in the 69th minute when Chawinga headed home after beating goalkeeper Maha Shehata to the ball.
Egypt pulled one back two minutes later through Eman Kassem, who headed in a free-kick to score her country’s first goal of the tournament after their 6-0 defeat to Zambia in the opening match.
The second round of Group D matches will conclude on Sunday in Casablanca, with group leaders Ghana taking on Cameroon, while Mali face Cape Verde.
