Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Zambia 1-0 on Saturday in Rabat despite playing with 10 players for more than half an hour, leaving Group C of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finely poised ahead of the final round of matches.
The defending champions were reduced to 10 players after 40 minutes when Blessing Demehin was shown a red card for a foul on Zambia’s star striker, Barbra Banda, at the Al Medina Stadium.
Despite the setback, Nigeria held on for a crucial victory, with Asisat Oshoala scoring the decisive goal after just eight minutes.
The record six-time African Footballer of the Year raced past two defenders before her initial effort was blocked by Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali. The rebound then struck Oshoala’s right leg and rolled into the net.
The victory moved Nigeria to three points, level with Zambia, while Malawi lead the group with six points from two matches. Egypt remain bottom without a point.
Nigeria, who are seeking a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, will face Egypt in their final group game on Wednesday, while Malawi take on Zambia in an all-southern African clash.
Earlier on Saturday, Malawi strengthened their position at the top of the group with an impressive 3-1 victory over Egypt.
Temwa Chawinga played a key role in the win, setting up one goal before scoring another as the tournament’s giant killers continued their impressive campaign.
Malawi took a 2-0 lead into half-time through Rose Kadzere and Faith Chinzimu, who both scored their first goals of the tournament.
Kadzere opened the scoring in the 35th minute after receiving a pass from Chawinga before firing past Egypt goalkeeper Maha Shehata.
Chinzimu doubled the advantage two minutes into first-half stoppage time with a close-range finish.
Malawi were reduced to 10 players in the 52nd minute when Rose Alufandika was shown a straight red card for a last-defender foul on Habiba Essam.
However, Chawinga restored Malawi’s two-goal cushion in the 69th minute, beating Shehata to the ball in a race for possession before heading it into the net.
Egypt pulled one back in the 71st minute through Eman Kassem, who nodded a free-kick past Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo to score their first goal of the tournament.
The second round of group-stage matches will conclude on Sunday in Casablanca, with Group D leaders Ghana facing Cameroon, while Mali take on Cabo Verde.
