In a gripping encounter, Ethiopia’s women’s football team held the formidable nine-time African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, to a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg of the 2024 Olympics Games qualifier at the Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Despite the absence of their head coach Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons took to the field with unwavering determination. However, an early defensive lapse allowed Birkie Amare to put Ethiopia in the lead in the 6th minute.
Despite relentless efforts from Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala and Gift Monday, the Super Falcons were unable to find an equalizing goal before the halftime break.
🏴 FULL TIME! in Addis Ababa 📍
🇪🇹 Ethiopia 1-1 Nigeria 🇳🇬
We shared the spoils with our hosts at Abebe Bikila Stadium. Let's finish the job in Abuja on Oct 31 📅
⚽Birkie Amare 6' (1-0)
⚽ @Rasheedat08 52' (1-1)#SoarSuperFalcons | #ETINGA| #Paris2024 | #OlympicsQualifiers pic.twitter.com/NyCs6QVXqL— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 25, 2023
The second half witnessed a revitalized Super Falcons side, and their persistence paid off in the 52nd minute when stand-in captain Rasheedat Ajibade unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards out, sending the ball soaring into the roof of the net and leveling the score.
The Super Falcons coaching staff, led by Justin Madugu and Ann Chiejine, made a series of tactical substitutions in the second half, introducing midfielders Rufiat Imuran and Ifeoma Onumonu in the 60th minute, followed by debutant Rinsola Babajide in the 71st minute.
In the 80th minute, Asisat Oshoala was replaced by former Falconets star Opeyemi Ajakaye.
The substitutions nearly proved decisive in the final moments of the match as Ifeoma Onumonu’s header found its way into the goal, but the celebration was cut short as the goal was disallowed due to an offside call.
90+2' OFFSIDE! in Addis Ababa 📍
🇪🇹 Ethiopia 1-1 Nigeria 🇳🇬
OMG! @ify_on22 fine header into the back of the net ruled out for an offside 🤦🤦
WATCH🔗: https://t.co/Mf02xBSsn5…#SoarSuperFalcons | #ETINGA | #Paris2024 | #OlympicsQualifiers
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) October 25, 2023
With the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw, the tie hangs in the balance, setting the stage for a thrilling second leg to be played in Nigeria on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
The victor of this nail-biting encounter will secure a coveted spot in the football event of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Leave a comment