By Akinwale Kasali
Coach Randy Waldrum Super Falcons team of Nigeria was outclassed by 10-man Black Queens of Ghana team at the reverse leg of their African Women Cup of Nations, AWCON, at the Accra International Stadium, Accra, Ghana, but managed to zoom into the second round of qualification series with a 2-1 aggregate score line.
Princella Adubea’s 49th minute strike wasn’t good enough for the Black Queens to beat their fierce rival and qualify for the second phase, despite dominating the match.
As earlier promised by Super Falcons Captain and Barcelona Football Club of Spain forward, Asisat Oshoala the team qualified for the next round of the qualification series. The team absorbed the pressure and was able not to concede more than a goal.
Portia Boakye of Ghana was given the marching order in the 64th minute to the relief of the Super Falcons that were under intense pressure, coupled with the cheers and massive support the Ghana ladies received from their teeming fans.
The red card gave the Nigerian side opportunity to catch their opponent on a counter attack, but this did not yield any result as the Ghanaians were resolute in defense, and were more on the offensive than the AWCON defending champion.
As the center referee blasted the whistle signaling an end to the pulsating and tension soaked encounter, a relieved Super Falcons team were full of smiles for overcoming their toughest and fierce rival in female football, also fulfilling their promise of qualification to Lagos State First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
The Super Falcons now await the Continent Soccer Governing Body, Confederation of African Football, CAF, to know their next opponent in the Second Round of the qualification series.
