2022 AWCON Qualifier: Kanu brace shoots Falcons past Black Queens

2022 AWCON Qualifier: Kanu brace shoots Falcons past Black Queens

Sampson Adedeji

Uchenna Kanu struck a first-half brace to help the Super Falcons gain a 2-0 advantage over Ghana’s Black Queens in the first leg of their 2022 African Women Cup of Nations qualifier at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Wednesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Kanu headed the reigning African champions in front in the 21st minute off a Francisca Ordega cross. Another nodded effort off a 27th-minute corner from the Linkopings FC striker then doubled the Super Falcons’ lead in the clash.

Veteran defender Onome Ebi, forward Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who produced fine saves to deny the visitors, and captain Asisat Oshoala were all in action for Nigeria.

Victory for the Randy Waldrum ladies over the Black Queens has boosted their aspirations of qualifying for the 2022 tournament.

Since the inception of the continental tournament in 1991, the Super Falcons have not missed an edition.

The Black Queens have however failed to qualify for the 2012 competition staged in Equatorial Guinea, and now walk a tightrope in their race for the 2022 event.

Both teams will meet for the second leg in Accra on Sunday, as the battle for a place in Morocco continues.

Elsewhere, Indomitable Lionesses had to rely on a goal from Ajara Nchout to edge Central Africa Republic 0-1 while South Africa recorded a handsome 0-7 away win at Mozambique. Kenya thrashed South Sudan 8-0.

AWCON 2022 Qualifiers Results:

Kenya 8-0 South Sudan

Uganda 2-0 Ethiopia

Malawi 1-1 Zambia

Tanzania 1-2 Namibia

Mozambique 0-7 South Africa

Zimbabwe 3-1 Eswatini

CAR 0-1 Cameroon