Hosts Namibia crashed out of the 2014 Africa Women Championship after a 2-0 loss to favourites Nigeria whilst Cote d’Ivoire progressed despite being held 1-1 by Zambia.
Nigeria finished on nine points, Cote d’Ivoire on four points, Namibia on three points and Zambia in that order with a point.
Defender Gloria Ofoegbu and striker Francisca Ordega each scored in the first half to hand Nigeria a 2-0 win in their Group A clash on Friday in Windhoek.
Nigeria paraded an unfamiliar line-up with veteran Perpetua Nkwocha, goalkeeper Ibubeleye Whyte, defenders Ugo Njoku, Josephine Chukwunonye and Gloria Ofoegbu handed starting roles.
The Super Falcons adopted a slow build-up, yet were dangerous anytime they moved upfront.
The first major chance at goal fell to the Brave Gladiators on 12 minutes and Memory Ngonda back-heeled nicely to Zenatha Coleman, but the latter’s effort missed narrowly.
Eight minutes later, Nigeria almost went up after Ngozi Okobi put Perpetua Nkwocha through, only for the veteran to shoot feebly into the waiting hands of Namibia goalie Lydia Eixas.
On 36 minutes, Nigeria were rewarded a free-kick after Eixas handled outside her area and Ofoegbu curled home for the opener.
Two minutes later, the Super Falcons increased the tally through Ordega. The Sweden based completed a through pass from Evelyn Chiedu by firing past the onrushing Eixas for the second goal.
The host nation threatened the Nigerian defence a couple of occasions but failed to break through.
In the second half, Namibia coach Jacqueline Shipanga brought on Lovisa Mulunga on the hour mark, pushing Lena Noreses to the centre of defence and it almost yielded dividends minutes later.
Coleman terrorized the Nigeria backline which revolved around Chiedu, Osinachi Ohale and Ugo Njoku, and her markers had to foul her to dispossess her.
On 66 minutes, Coleman during one of her charges upfront was fouled by Chiedu on the edge of the penalty area. From the resulting free-kick, Coleman’s cross met the head of Ngonda, but it missed the target by inches.
It was the closest the Gladiators had come to scoring and they pressed further in their quest to reduce the deficit. They were cheered on by the fans who roared anytime the team launched an attack.
The Gladiators survived a late Nigeria counter after Noreses robbed the ball of Ordega before clearing to safety.
Zenatha won the TN Mobile Woman of the Match award.
Elsewhere at the Independence Stadium, Susan Banda equalized for Zambia on 58 minutes after Cote d’Ivoire captain Estelle Nahi had put them in the lead after two minutes.
Nigeria will face the runner-up in Group B whilst Cote d’Ivoire battles the winner of Group B at the last four. – cafonline.com
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