Match Overview
Nigeria’s Super Falcons claimed a vital 1-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat, overcoming a first-half red card to keep their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes alive. The hard-fought win came despite playing more than half the match with ten players.
Early Goal Gives Nigeria the Lead
Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, opened the scoring after bursting past two Zambian defenders. Goalkeeper Hazel Nali initially saved her shot, but the rebound struck Oshoala’s right leg and rolled into the net, giving Nigeria an early advantage.
Red Card Blow for the Super Falcons
Just five minutes before halftime, defender Blessing Demehin received a straight red card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda. The dismissal forced Nigeria to defend deep for the remainder of the game, but the back line held firm to preserve the slim lead.
Nigeria Hold On Despite Pressure
Playing with ten players for over 45 minutes, the Super Falcons resisted sustained pressure from the Copper Queens. Organized defending and timely clearances ensured the 1-0 lead survived until the final whistle, earning Nigeria its first three points of the tournament.
Group C Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
The result leaves Malawi at the top of Group C with six points from two matches, while Nigeria and Zambia are tied on three points each. Egypt remain pointless. Nigeria will face Egypt in their final group match on Wednesday, and Malawi will meet Zambia in a decisive southern African showdown that could settle the qualification places.
Malawi’s Victory Over Egypt
Earlier on Saturday, Malawi continued their impressive run with a 3-1 win over Egypt at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Rose Kadzere opened the scoring in the 35th minute, and Faith Chinzimu doubled the lead before halftime. Despite losing Rose Alufandika to a red card in the 52nd minute, Malawi extended their advantage through Temwa Chawinga in the 69th minute. Egypt pulled one back via a free‑kick header from Eman Kassem, but could not complete a comeback.
What’s Next for Group C?
The second round of group matches concludes on Sunday in Casablanca, with Group D leaders Ghana taking on Cameroon and Mali facing Cabo Verde. For Group C, the upcoming fixtures will determine which two nations advance to the knockout stages of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
