Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a masterclass display to thrash Zambia 5-0 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca on Friday.
Nigeria’s scored their first goal inside two minutes when centre-back Osinachi Ohale rose highest to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint free-kick delivery. The second goal came in the 33rd minute when Okoronkwo converted a flowing move with a composed strike into the bottom corner.
Just before the half-time whistle, the nine-time champions added a third through Chinwendu Ihezuo’s left-footed finish. It was game over, but the Super Falcons were not done yet with the Zambian women who won bronze at the 2022 WAFCON.
Oluwatosin Demehin made it 4-0 in the 68th minute, nodding in from close range after another set-piece wreaked havoc in Zambia’s area, and the fifth arrived in stoppage time, with substitute Folashade Ijamilusi applying the finishing touch following good work by Rasheedat Ajibade.
The Super Falcons remain unbeaten and have not conceded a goal in the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco secured a dominant 3-1 victory over Mali at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat as they claimed to book their place in the semi-finals of the competition.
The Atlas Lionesses took the lead in the 7th minute through Ibtissam Jraïdi, and then in the 77th minute when substitute Sanaâ Mssoudy earned a penalty and Jraïdi doubled her lead from the spot.
Kenza Chapelle sealed a confident victory in the 89th minute when she finished brilliantly from outside the area to make it 3-0.
Mali pulled one back in stoppage time from the spot, with Aïssata Traoré converting a penalty after Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak was penalized for handball.
