In a tight first quarter, neither team was able to generate many chances; however, halfway through the half, Asisat Oshoala had a chance from Payne’s cross that he should have taken better.
The 2024 Olympic Qualifier match between the Super Falcons and Ethiopia’s Lucy ended in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday afternoon in Addis Ababa, setting up an intriguing return leg in Abuja on Tuesday of the following week.
The Ethiopian girls had unexpectedly grabbed the lead in the sixth minute of play when Birkie Amare converted a corner kick, but Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s blistering effort from the edge of the box six minutes after the restart brought the score back to equality at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
Asisat Oshoala took the lead as the top striker, while Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday played from the flanks. Michelle Alozie moved to left back so Nicole Payne could assume control at right defence. Oluwatosin Demehin and Akudo Ogbonna assumed command at the centre of the defence, and Peace Efih joined Toni Payne and Ajibade in the middle to hold things together while Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde were out of the picture.
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In a tight first quarter, neither team was able to generate many chances; however, halfway through the half, Asisat Oshoala had a chance from Payne’s cross that he should have taken better.
The Falcons seized complete control after Ajibade tied the score. In the 64th minute, replacement Ifeoma Onumonu had a chance to put Nigeria ahead but was stopped as she primed the trigger.
In the 79th minute, Payne and Onumonu teamed to produce a gilt-edged opportunity, but Oshoala was unable to make any headway again.
When Onumonu leaped above everyone to head into the net at the last second, the Falcons believed they had won. Lamia Atman, the Algerian referee, saw foul play during the build-up, nevertheless.
The teams will face off once more on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The winner on aggregate will go to the third round, where the victor of the Cameroon/Uganda match will be waiting.
