Football
Cup holders Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana in
one of the group phase matches of the ongoing 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations
finals in Cameroon on Wednesday.
The Falcons drew the first blood when Asisat Oshoala
scored her fifth of the tournament in the 19th minute at the Stade Omnisports
Limbe, but the Nigerians were somewhat too anxious in front of goal and missed
several chances.
Ghana drew level two minutes before recess when Ugo
Njoku committed a foul in the box and Elizabeth Addo made no mistake from the
spot.
In the second half, the reigning champions piled much
pressure on their West African counterparts, but the Black Queens were well
organized at the rear and kept the scoreline even.
Oshoala should have put Nigeria ahead in the 63rd
minute but failed to connect a cross by Francisca Ordega, and in the 77th
minute, substitute Florence Dadson came close at the other end, but goalkeeper
Alaba Jonathan timed her run well.
A brilliant move by Faith Ikidi pierced the Ghanaian
defence with two minutes left, only for Ordega to fluff the opportunity with
Desire Oparanozie unmarked behind her.
On the dot of time, penalty appeals by Nigeria were
waived away by the referee after Oshoala was upended in the box by the Ghanaian
goalkeeper.
The Falcons remain top of Group B on goals difference
from the Black Queens, and will play Kenya on Sunday. The Black Queens will
slug it out with Mali, who were poleaxed 6-0 by Nigeria.
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