Nigeria 0 Zambia 1 : Super Falcons end WAFCON 2022 on a disappointing note

Super Falcons' pride was severely hurt by Zambia Friday night in the third place final of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the nine-time African champions were defeated 1-0 at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca reports All Nigeria Soccer.

A first half goal credited to Evarine Katongo despite coming off Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was the decider.

The Falcons had early chances to score with Francisca Ordega, Ifeoma Onumonu and Gift Monday all having their chances to put the Super Falcons ahead.

However it was the Zambians that had the rub of the green in the 29th minute when a shot from Evarine Katongo from 25 yards came off the woodwork and deflected off goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into the net.

Midfielder Christy Ucheibe had to be substituted in the 36th minute break through injury and replaced by Rita Chikwelu.

The Falcons continued with their pressure on the Zambian defence. Regina Otu delivered a cross the ball which reached Gift Monday.

The Rivers Angels star's header came off the post but her second effort to finish was unlucky as the ball went out of play.

With four minutes played in the second half, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Regina Otu combined to set up Gift Monday but missed a, sitter albeit under pressure from two Zambian markers.

Nigeria's Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum made some changes afterwards bringing on the duo of Peace Efih and Vivian Ikechukwu for Ordega and Regina Otu with eighteen minutes remaining.

In the last ten minutes of the game, Uchenna Kanu and Vivian Ikechukwu missed two gilt-edge chances to equalise.

Kanu headed wide a cross from Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene while a shot from Ikechukwu in the 84th minute was off target.

The Falcons will hope to play some pre World Cup friendlies in the next international window ahead of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand next year.

Izuchukwu Michael
    

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com