Sunday 19 July 2015

2016 Rio Olympic Games Qualifier: Super Falcons Shares Spoils With Nzalang Nacional

A determined Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea held the Super Falcons of Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the third round first leg 2016 Rio Olympic Games qualification match played on Saturday 18th July at the Mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium.


Halimatu Ayinde fired the seven-time African Champions ahead before Chinasa Okoro cancelled the hosts' lead to ensure Equatorial Guinea picked a vital away draw in their bid up to chasing the Olympic Games tournament qualification to Brazil.

Miguel Angel Polanco and his charges after conceding first were not discouraged but came back from a goal down to pick an important away draw.

The two teams started at a very high tempo as they were not ready to show respect to each other up.

Equatorial Guinea skipper Genoviva Anouma forced Tochukwu Oluehi to a 3rd minute save from a free-kick.

The Super Falcons then showed intent when the impressive Ayinde latched on to a through ball from Cecilia Nku. She outpaced her marker but her effort was stopped by goalkeeper Analucia Nascimto.

Nku failed to capitalise on a lax defending from the visiting team after she got on the end of a sweet cross from captain Evelyn Nwabuoku.

The Super Falcons should have taken the lead from a goal mouth scramble in the 19th minute, but the Equatorial Guinea goalie Analucia was able to pick up the ball.

Anouma, the tormentor-in-chief for Equatorial Guinea was back in the thick of the action twenty-five minutes into the game when another free-kick from her produced a world class save from Oluehi.

Nigeria scored three minutes to the half-hour mark to take a 1-0 lead through Ayinde who pulled the trigger with a screamer after she was given space by the Equatorial Guinea defenders.

Thirty-three minutes into the game the match referee ignored a penalty appeal from the home fans. A cross from Ayinde appeared to have touched the right arm of Nke Noah Ghyslaine.

Super Falcons searched for the second goal as they bombarded the two-time African Champions.

A 24-metre shot from Ayinde made the difference between the two sides as they both headed to the tunnel at half-time.

The Nzalang Nacional had the first attempt of the second half with Okoro's long ranger palmed away by Oluehi, while Analucia was also at her best with a one-handed save from Francisca Ordega's close range shot.

But the Super Falcons' lead was short-lived as the Nzalang Nacional equalised in the 62nd minute. Bobruichanka star Okoro tapped in from a well-worked moved. But the Falcons defence line should have done better.

Equatorial Guinea inspired by Anouma and Okoro grew in confidence after the leveller.

In an attempt to snatch a late winner, coach Christopher Danjuma brought on the pacy Mercy Amanze for Cecilia Nku with twenty minutes remaining, but an organized Equatorial Guinea held firm.

Miguel's charges will host the Super Falcons in Malabo in a fortnight to determine who secures the ticket to the final round of the qualifiers.

The Super Falcons are expected to resume camp on Monday 20th July to start preparations for the return leg.

Super Falcons Starters Vs Equatorial Guinea: Tochukwu Oluehi, Blessing Edoho, Evelyn Nwabuoku (c), Josephine Chukwunonye, Jegede Joy, Ohale Osinachi, Okobi Ngozi, Ordega Francisca, Desire Oparanozie, Nku Cecilia, Ayinde Halimatu

Reserves: John Charity, Ebere Ngozi, Akpa Gladys, Okoronwko Amarachi, Wogu Chioma, Amanze Mercy, Ayila Loveth

Equatorial Guinea Starters Vs Super Falcons: Analucia Nascimto, Andriana Soares, Nke Noah Ghyslaine, Carolina Martins, Ana Christina, Bruna Amarante, Dorine Nina, Genoviva Anouma (c), Jade Boho Sayo, Camila Maria Nobre, Chinasa Okoro

Reserves: Miriam Silva, Mendova Abessolo, Jumaria Barbosa, Martins Christina, Andriana Aparecida, Dulcia Davi Maria, Olive Christelle Ngo

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