Tokyo 2020: Super Falcons Move Closer To Bag Olympic Ticket, Defeats Algeria

By Akinwale Kasali

A sublime finish by Barcelona Football Club striker, Asisat Oshoala, was all the Super Falcons needed to cement its place in the next round of qualification series for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Ticket.

The Thomas Dennerb-coached Falcons had earlier defeated the Algerian ladies in the first leg of the qualifiers 2-0 in Algiers, through Amarachi Okoronkwo and Isma Onuechi strikes, before recording a 1-0 victory in the second leg at the Agege Township Stadium in Lagos.

The Algerians arrived Lagos, Nigeria, prepared to overturn the two goal deficit, but were demoralised after Oshoala’s 68th-minute strike to put the Nigerians in a comfortable lead and a good aggregate score. The visitors needed four goals to overturn the deficit.

Dennerby named a strong attacking squad in the encounter, with Francisca Ordega, Rashidat Ajibade and Oshoala leading it, while Osinachi Ohale and Ebere Orji marshalled the defence.

The defenders had little or no threats from their visitors, as Ohale and Orji were amazing in their coordination of the defence.

With this victory, the Falcons are a step closer to securing one of the three tickets available for grabs, as three countries will represent Africa at the female Soccer Olympic Games.

The draws for the final round of qualification will be done before the weekend runs out. The winner of the final qualification series will hoist the Continent’s flag at the games.

The last time the Falcons featured at the games was at Athens 2004, in Greece.