Super Falcons Dismantle Zambia In 5-0 WAFCON Masterclass, Seal Semi-Final Spot
Nigeria’s Super Falcons sent a clear warning to the rest of Africa with a breathtaking 5-0 demolition of Zambia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final clash on Friday night in Casablanca.
In what can only be described as a five-star performance, the nine-time African champions stormed into the semi-finals for a record 13th time, leaving pre-match favourites Zambia stunned and speechless.
The tone was set just 100 seconds into the game when defender Osinachi Ohale rose highest to nod in a brilliantly delivered free-kick from Esther Okoronkwo an echo of her goal against Zambia 11 years ago. It was a signal of what was to come.
Nigeria dominated every blade of grass, shutting down Zambia’s usually dangerous attacking duo of Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and her backline stood firm during Zambia’s rare forays forward.
The second goal was pure class. Jennifer Echegini dispossessed her marker, linked up with Ashleigh Plumptre, who released captain Rasheedat Ajibade.
A lofted cross found Okoronkwo, who coolly chested the ball down and fired into the net.
Before the break, Chinwendu Ihezuo made it 3-0 after capitalising on a defensive error, latching onto a long ball from Nnadozie and curling it home with confidence.
In the second half, the Falcons stayed composed, but the damage was far from over.
Tosin Demehin added a fourth with a thumping header from a set-piece, and debutant Folasade Ijamilusi capped a dream night with a well-timed finish after a clever pass from Ajibade.
Ajibade, who orchestrated much of the attacking brilliance, was deservedly named Woman of the Match.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the South Africa vs Senegal clash in the semi-finals.
With this display, the Super Falcons reminded the continent why they remain the undisputed queens of African women’s football.
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