It was the first game of the much anticipated Aisha Buhari Invitational Friendly Matches, fondly called the Aisha Buhari Cup.
The Six-Nation invitational matches flagged off at the remodelled Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The event which is in honor of the name and office of Nigeria’s First Lady.
The host nation started with a lineup of ten foreign based players and just one home based player.
Despite having the better side, it was Mali that posed threats through Aissata Traore, but the defensive duo of an experienced Onome Ebi and one of NWFL best Akudo held their ground.
Frustrated by their winless three-match campaign at the US Summer Series in June, the Super Falcons were under pressure to make statement at the presence of the FIFA President and CAF President.
The first half ended with a terrible head collision through a corner kick that saw Desire Oparanozie’s head bleeding.
With Oparanozie injured and Alozie carded, Coach Randy Waldrum made four changes at the start of the second half with Oparanozie, Okobi, Bokiri and Alozie making way for Ikidi, Otu, Kanu and Okorokwo.
Mali goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karenta started the second half on a great momentum, saving from Oshoala’s threat and some minutes later saved from Uchenna Kanu.
Coming on for Francisca Ordega in the 77th minute FC Robo forward, Monday Gift handed the host a shock lead through a powerful header from Asisat Oshoala’s assist in the 82nd minute.
One minute into added time, the duo combined again to seal the win as Oshoala’s back header fell in the direction of Monday, who lobbed the ball over Karenta.
The African champions have now extended their head-to-head superiority over the Female Eagles to a sixth consecutive triumph since 2015.
The Falcons will be back in action on Tuesday, September 21, when they take on Desiree Ellis’ South Africa at the same venue.
Two days earlier, Mali will also look to avenge their 2021 doubleheader friendly defeats to 2022 TotalEnergies Africa Women’s Cup of Nations hosts, Morocco.
MOLATsportgist 
Nice one…… Girls
LikeLiked by 1 person