Falconets of Nigeria earned a 2-0 victory over Malawi in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round tie in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Saturday.
The win brightened the Falconets’ chances of earning yet another spot at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, in which they have been an ever-present since the competition was launched as an U-19 tournament in Canada in 2002.
The Falconets created numerous opportunities and should have won by a wider margin but were wasteful, and were thwarted by the brilliant visiting goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi.
The Falconets were unable to score in the first half, but their incessant pressure finally paid off two minutes into the second half.
A fine delivery into the danger zone caused panic in the Malawian defence, forcing Maureen Kenneth into an inadvertent touch that settled into her own net.
The own goal acted as the spark the Falconets needed.
Ten minutes later, the Falconets doubled their lead, with Faridat Abdulwahab picking out Kindness Ifeanyi with a pinpoint assist to slot home.
Malawi attempted a late rally, but the Falconets retained their two-goal cushion, and Moses Adukwu’s side will travel for the second leg in a week’s time having the upper hand in the fixture.
The win earned the Falconets the sum of N1 million from the President of Remo Stars FC and Beyond Limits Football Academy, Kunle Soname, who had before the match promised the team N500,000 for each goal.
The return leg is scheduled for the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe next Saturday, with kick-off set for 3pm Malawian time (2pm in Nigeria).
