Champions show resilience after Demehin’s dismissal while surprise package Malawi seize control of Group C with another stunning victory.
The Super Falcons demonstrated the resilience of champions on Saturday night, overcoming a first-half red card to defeat Zambia 1-0 and breathe fresh life into their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence in Morocco.
Having entered the contest under immense pressure following a stunning opening defeat to debutants Malawi, Nigeria responded in perfect fashion through Asisat Oshoala, whose early goal proved enough to separate the two African heavyweights.
The decisive moment arrived after only eight minutes when Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a perfectly weighted through pass into space for Oshoala. The experienced striker showed her trademark pace to burst beyond the Zambian backline before finishing confidently to hand Nigeria the advantage.
Nigeria’s evening became significantly more complicated after the half-hour mark.
Defender Blessing Demehin appeared to escape with only a yellow card after fouling a Zambian attacker, but following an extended VAR review, the referee determined that the challenge denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and upgraded the decision to a straight red card.
Reduced to 10 players, the defending champions faced relentless pressure as Zambia threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser.
The Copper Queens created several dangerous situations around Nigeria’s penalty area, but Chiamaka Nnadozie marshalled an organised defensive display that frustrated one of Africa’s most potent attacking teams.
Even while defending deep, Nigeria remained dangerous on the break and nearly doubled their advantage through swift counterattacks that exposed gaps in the Zambian defence, although the second goal never arrived.
Elsewhere in Group C, Malawi continued to write one of the stories of the tournament, defeating Egypt 3-1 to maintain their perfect start and strengthen their grip on top spot with six points.
The latest results leave the qualification race finely poised.
Malawi lead the group, while Zambia edge Nigeria into second place on goal difference despite both teams having three points. Egypt remain rooted to the foot of the standings after consecutive defeats.
For Nigeria, the victory may prove to be the turning point of their campaign.
After suffering one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history against Malawi, the Super Falcons rediscovered their fighting spirit, keeping alive hopes of lifting a record-extending 11th continental title.
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