Super Falcons Beat Zambia 1-0 to Revive WAFCON Title Defence

Nigeria reignited their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a determined 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday night, overcoming a second-half siege after playing more than 50 minutes with 10 players.

Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal of the match in the eighth minute at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat before the Super Falcons were dealt a major setback when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off five minutes before half-time.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Justine Madugu’s side produced a disciplined defensive display to secure three vital points and bounce back from their shock opening defeat to Malawi.

Having suffered a surprise 3-2 loss to tournament debutants Malawi in their first Group C match, Nigeria knew anything less than victory would leave their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals hanging by a thread.

The Super Falcons responded positively, with Oshoala putting the defending champions ahead early to calm nerves against a Zambia side fresh from a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt.

The complexion of the contest changed in the 40th minute when Demehin was shown a straight red card, forcing Nigeria to abandon any attacking ambitions and focus on preserving their slender lead.

Zambia dominated possession after the interval and introduced fresh attacking options, but the Nigerian defence stood firm, with the experienced champions denying Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji and their teammates the clear openings they needed.

Madugu also reshuffled his side, bringing on Sikiratu Isah, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Halimatu Ayinde and Esther Okoronkwo to add defensive stability and fresh legs as Nigeria absorbed sustained pressure throughout the second half.

The victory moves Nigeria onto three points from two matches, level with Zambia but behind group leaders Malawi, who defeated Egypt 3-1 earlier in the day to make it two wins from two. Egypt remain without a point after successive defeats.