AWCON: Falcons in make or break clash with Zambia

Asisat Oshoala in ball contest against Bayana Bayana of Africa at Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Ghana.

Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) defending champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons need just one thing tomorrow, which is to outclass red-hot She-polopolo of Zambia in their second group B game at the Cape Coast Stadium, Ghana.

Following a 0-1 loss suffered at the hands of the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the group opener last Sunday, star-studded Falcons can’t settle for anything short of win tomorrow or bid the bi-ennial showpiece farewell, something which has never happened since the introduction of the championship in 1998.

The Zambians were ruthless on the opening day as they spanked two-time winners, Equatorial Guinea 5-0, thus a win today over the Falcons will land them in the semi-finals.

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Interestingly, Zambia’s star striker, Babara Banda, will return tomorrow against Nigeria, who conceded an 85th goal courtesy of substitute Thembi Kgatlana.

Zambia coach, Bruce Mwape, says the return of Banda serves as a boost for her team.

“It will be an advantage to our team because Babara has got speed, it’s just like [Rachael] Kundananji so we will have two who will actually sharpen us up front and of course the midfield will support the two strikers,” he said.

“We will try by all means to get the maximum points because we need to qualify for the semi-finals.

“So if we win tomorrow’s game, the chances will be there for us to qualify for the World Cup.

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“Of course yes, Nigeria are wounded after losing to South Africa, but we will not fear them because we know they will maybe try and play an open game, if they play an open game then we know what to do.”

Meanwhile, the Falcons which boast reigning African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and Rita Chikwelu according to their handler, Thomas Dennerby won’t give up saying poor finishing cost her side victory in the group opener.

Also, vice captain, Onome Ebi says the Falcons would bounce back tomorrow.

“Of course all is not lost, we have two games to play and we can still progress. “We have to put the loss behind us and focus on the games ahead,” Ebi stated.