Falcons Get Banyana Banyana After Breezing Through Kenya

By Andah John

The Super Falcons are through to the final four of the Africa Women’s cup of Nations after beating Kenya 4-0 in their last group game in Limbe, Cameroon.

Goals from Ngozi Okobi, Faith Ikidi, Asisat Oshoala, and Desire Oparanozie ensured a comfortable win for Nigeria, who next meet Banyana Bnayana of South Africa in Tuesday’s semi-final.

Nigeria and Ghana finished on seven points apiece in Group B, but the holders are group winners courtesy superior goals. Mali finished third, while Kenya ended their campaign on the foot of the group pointless.

Dominant Falcons

The Falcons began the game much better of the two teams. And it was not long before they got their reward. They took a two-goal lead after only seven minutes, capitalising on the sloppy Kenyan defence.

Midfielder Ngozi Okobi crowned her first start of the competition with the opener just three minutes into the game. Then Faith Ikidi headed home the second four minutes later.

Enough of the respect

The Harambee Starlets soon came out of their shell with some delightful passing from Mary Wanjiku, Esse Akida and Janet Bundi.

But the Nigerians remained dominant and Uchechi Sunday should have increased the tally in the 23rd minute after Asisat Oshoala after a through ball, but she shot across the face of goal.

Tactical response

Kenya coach David Ouma was forced to make his first substitution in the 36th minute. He brought on Vivian Corazone, who replaced injured Bundi, following an aerial battle with Nigerian defender Onome Ebi.

Oshoala strikes sixth

Eight minutes into the second half, Arsenal ladies forward Oshoala took the game beyond the reach of Kenya with the third goal and her sixth in the competition.

Substitute Desire Oparanozie further compounded the woes of the Kenyans with a cool finish in the 89th minute.