Nigeria’s Super Falcons battled to a narrow 1-0 victory against a resilient Botswana side in their second Group B match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, on Thursday night in Casablanca, Morocco.
The game, held at Stade Larbi Zaouli, tested the mettle of the nine-time champions as the Botswana Mares delivered a stubborn defensive performance and almost claimed a point from the encounter.
From the opening whistle, Botswana showed they were not intimidated by Nigeria’s decorated pedigree. Refilwe Tholakele nearly gave the Mares a shock lead in the early stages, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into a brilliant double save within the first ten minutes.
Nigeria responded with several attempts of their own, notably from Ashley Plumptre, who made a surging run in the 26th minute and fired wide after a neat layoff from Rasheedat Ajibade. Shortly after, Toni Payne found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but fired over the bar, squandering Nigeria’s best chance of the first half.
The second half saw Botswana drop deeper, packing the midfield and defense with numbers and limiting Nigeria’s attacking flow. Despite dominating possession, the Falcons struggled to break through a disciplined Botswana backline led by goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija, who made several crucial saves.
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Super Falcons’ coach Randy Waldrum introduced Chinwendu Ihezuo early in the second half, and she immediately made her presence felt. In the 48th minute, Ihezuo got on the end of a cross but headed just over the bar. Plumptre again came close in the 64th minute, curling a shot toward the top corner, only for Bosija to parry it away acrobatically.
As time ticked away, it seemed the Falcons were heading for a frustrating draw until the 89th minute. Okoronkwo broke through the Botswana defense with a burst of pace and squared the ball perfectly for Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home from close range, sending Nigerian fans into a frenzy.
The late goal proved decisive, and Nigeria collected three crucial points to boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Nigeria now sits second in Group B behind South Africa and will face Algeria in their final group match on Sunday evening, again at the Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Coach Waldrum praised his team’s persistence but acknowledged the need for sharper finishing and quicker build-up play going forward.
NAN
