Nigeria’s Super Falcons re-claimed the African Women’s Championship with a 4-2 victory over Equatorial Guinea Sunday at the Sinama Stadium on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
It was also a sweet revenge for the Nigerians against a team who dethroned them two years ago.
The Falcons also scooped the top scorer award, Most Valuable Player award as well as the Fair Play trophy in a tournament they dominated from start to finish.
“We came here to win and we won,” said a jubilant Falcons coach, Eucharia Uche.
“We were determined to win this trophy and we gave it our best shot,” added striker Ugochi Oparanozie, one of several youngsters given their chance at this tournament.
Equatorial Guinea coach, Jean-Paul Mpila, lamented the two own goals his team conceded in an exciting final.
“We are disappointed to have lost this match because we came to win. The two own goals we conceded due to the strong wind hurt us,” he moaned.
Tournament top scorer Perpetua Nkwocha netted her 11th goal after seven minutes when she fired home from the top of the box after Equatorial Guinea defence failed to clear an Uloma Jerome right cross.
Young Falcons striker Oparanozie fluffed several chances in the first half including a sitter when all alone with the Guinea goalkeeper after 19 minutes.
Equatorial Guinea also threatened the Nigerian goal and even had a goal disallowed for an infringement on goalkeeper Precious Dede.
However, in the second half, the islanders enjoyed a fine opening spell with the controversial Salimata Simpore a constant goal threat.
At the other end of the pitch, Oparanozie was denied by a fine save on 59 minutes and then saw her header go wide off the mark moments later.
The 2008 champions drew level in the 62nd minute when star defender Caroline Parreira cashed in on a mix-up between goalkeeper Dede and Helen Ukaonu when dealing with a corner.
Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/11/indefatigable-champions/
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