Falconets Walk Tight Rope After 2 - 1 Win Against South Africa

The Falconets entered into the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against the Basetsana of South Africa with the aim of spanking the visitors  but ended up managing a 2 - 1 win after conceding a late penalty.

From the first minute, the momentum was in favour of the vice - champions and Ihezuo had two opportunities to put them in front only for her headers to miss target.

On 30 minutes, Nigeria drew first blood courtesy of Ihezuo and the home team would have had a two - goal advantage nine minutes before the interval but Uchenna Kanu’s low shot hit the crossbar.

In first - half stoppage time, Uchenna Kanu registered her name on the scoresheet to give the Falconets a 2- 0 lead .

In the closing minutes of the contest, the visitors pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Gabrielle after Akumbu had handled the ball in the area.

The second leg will be played in South Africa in two weeks time, with the overall winner qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup which will be held in Papua New Guinea.

Nigeria Starting XI :  Chiichii, Ologbosere, Ogbonna, Ukwuoma, Emenayo, Kalu, Igbinovia, Biahwo, Kanu, Iheazuo, Uchendu

South Africa Starting XI : Mpuru, M, Makhubela, Shozi, Ryneveld, Motlhalo, Sikweza, Motau, Salgado, Gamede, Ndyebi

Photo Credit : fifa.com