Another brace from Perpetual Nkwocha helped Nigeria keep up her 100 percent record at the African Women’s Championship.
The Super Falcons claimed a 3-0 win over Tanzania in their final group game, ensuring they top the group with an unblemished points haul.
South Africa joined Nigeria in the semifinals with a 4-0 win over Mali. Mali needed to win to upstage the hosts.
Tanzania had already been eliminated after two defeats, but were hoping to restore some pride by going home with at least a point.
It was the wrong choice of opponents for such lofty ambitions, and for the first 10 min-utes, they barely got past the centre line as the Falcons applied the squeeze.
It came as no surprise when they went behind early. Ulunma Jerome, who has assisted all but one of Nkwocha’s goals so far, was on hand again.
Her corner kick was not properly cleared and the ball returned to her, this time, she hung a cross inside the box, and when the goalkeeper flapped, Nkwocha made no mistake with her header.
Her seventh goal of the tournament was a result of more defensive frailties. Stella Mbachu’s cross was made a hash of by two defenders, and Nkwocha, again, was on hand to fire home from six yards.
With a potentially difficult semifinal in view, coach Uche Eucharia took off her leading striker, who was getting the lumps kicked out of her by the east Africans.
But it made little difference, as a fine team passing move was finished off by Ugochi Oparanozie. Rita Chikwelu’s effort was beaten away by the goalie, Mbachu was first to pounce, and her cutback was turned in by Oparanozie right on the goal line.
Nigeria will now await the second_placed team in group B, while South Africa will play the group winners.
Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/11/immaculate-falcons-zoom-to-s-finals/
No comments:
Post a Comment