The Super Falcons recorded their worst performance in Wafcon history after losing to Bruce Mwape’s women in Casablanca
Zambia defeated Nigeria 1-0 to win the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off on Friday night.
Evarine Katongo’s first-half effort separated both teams as the Super Falcons paid for their wastefulness at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
With just two minutes into the low-scoring encounter, the first chance fell to the reigning African champions but Ifeoma Onumonu missed from close range after she was set up by captain Ngozi Okobi.
Five minutes later, the Copper Queens went close to finding the net after Xiomala Mapepa sent a cross into Nigeria’s goal area, but Ashleigh Plumptre cleared the ball to safety.
Aside from dominating the opening quarter, the Super Falcons had numerous scoring chances, their greatest undoing was failing to convert.
Two minutes before the half-hour mark, the reigning African champions paid for their unpardonable misses when ZISD Queens midfielder Katongo put Bruce Mwape’s team ahead.
After running through the right side of Nigeria’s backline, Tembo skipped past Michelle Alozie before sending the ball inside the goal area. Christy Ucheibe’s inability to clear the ball ensured that Katongo drilled a shot from a long-range shot – with the ball ricocheting the crossbar and then Nnadozie before rolling into the net.
That goal was a reality check for Waldrum’s women, nonetheless, they were unable to restore parity.