Zambia Suffer Narrow Defeat To Nigeria As Super Falcons Revive WAFCON Campaign

Zambia suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in their second Group C match at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Saturday night.

Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal of the match in the eighth minute, giving the defending champions an early lead after Nigeria had lost 3-2 to Malawi in their opening game.

The Copper Queens were handed a major advantage just before half-time when Nigeria defender Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off in the 40th minute. However, Zambia could not make their numerical advantage count as the Super Falcons defended resolutely with 10 players for the entire second half.

Zambia made several changes in search of an equaliser, but Nigeria remained organised and frustrated the Copper Queens’ attacking efforts.

The result is a setback for Zambia following their impressive 6-0 opening victory over Egypt, where Barbra Banda scored four goals. The Copper Queens remain on three points and second in Group C, level with Nigeria, while Malawi lead the group with six points after beating Egypt 3-1 earlier in the day.

Zambia will now need a strong result in their final group match to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

For Nigeria, the victory keeps their title defence alive and puts them back in contention for a place in the knockout stage.