AWCON 2018: Super Falcons through to the finals despite poor start

Yesterday, the Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated Cameroon 4-2 in penalty shootout at the ongoing Total African Women Cup of Nation in Ghana. 

Full time scores were 0-0, after both sides battled to a stalemate in a game Cameroon showed more hunger to win. But for the tight Super Falcons defence marshalled by captain Onome Ebi and the good saves made by Oluehi Tochukwu in goal, the Cameroonians would have had their day. 

The Super Falcons were outplayed in the midfield and forwards Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala struggled to find their bearing. It was only on one occasion that Oparanozie managed to squeeze in a shot, but it was saved by Annette Ngo Ndom. 

However, in the ensuing shoot-out, she couldn’t cope with the mastery of the Nigerian penalty takers. Tochokwuch made a good save and Cameroonians missed target. 

Recall Nigeria lost their opening group match to South Africa by 1-0. Many pundits gave the defending champions little chance to make it out of the group. 

With the result Nigeria has picked the first ticket to the 2019 FIFA Women World Cup in France. The final is billed for Saturday December 1.