Aisha Buhari Cup: Monday gifts Super Falcons opening day victory over Mali
Nine-time African Champions, the Super Falcons yesterday left it late to beat the Female Eagles of Mali 2-0 in the opening match of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament. As expected, the Super Falcons proved to be the stronger of the two sides as they piled pressure on their opponents in search of an early […]
Super Falcons players celebrate their victory over the Female Eagles of Mali in the opening match of Aisha Buhari Cup yesterday in Lagos
Nine-time African Champions, the Super Falcons yesterday left it late to beat the Female Eagles of Mali 2-0 in the opening match of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament.
As expected, the Super Falcons proved to be the stronger of the two sides as they piled pressure on their opponents in search of an early goal in the Group A match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
In the 5th minute, the Malians survived a raid on their area as the Super Falcons looked to go into the lead with a corner, but the defence cleared.
Nine minutes later, Ordega side netted from another quick dash upfront, and in the 18th minute, Ageusissa Diarra tested goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie from a 30-yard free-kick.
After a barren first half, the Super Falcons intensified their search for the opening goal but had nothing to show for their efforts.
Uchenna Kanu side netted in the 67th minute, before Oshoala, who should have scored with only the goalkeeper to beat, failed to get past Karenta. In the 74th minute, Karenta again saved from Kanu.
However, the deadlock was broken when substitute, Gift Monday, interestingly a player of FC Robo Queens of Lagos, spun in the air to meet a cross by Captain Asisat Oshoala in the 83rd minute and nod past goalkeeper Fatoumata Karenta, six minutes after coming into the fray for Francisca Ordega.
The goal put the Super Falcons in the lead after a rather turgid day on Lagos Island, with the Malians showing greater zest and desire in the opening half and returning after the recess with the same impressive fighting spirit.
And one minute into added time, Monday was again at the end of an Asisat assist, and looped the ball over an advancing Karenta to put huge smiles on the face of Nigerians.