Cyprus Cup: Super Falcons trounce Thailand 3-0 to finish seventh

The Super Falcons ended their participation at the Cyprus Women’s Cup on a positive note with a 3-0 win against Thailand at the Tassos Markou Stadium, Paralimni on Wednesday. The reigning African champions finished the competition in seventh position following the win against the Asians. Barcelona Ladies of Spain star forward Asisat Oshoala put the Super Falcons ahead in the 23rd minute following an assist by Francis Ordega. It took the West Africans only five minutes before they could double their lead with Chinaza Uchendu setting up captain of the side Onome Ebi for the second goal.

Thomas Dennerby’s ladies were unable to increase their lead before the half time break as the Thailand’s defence curtailed them. Anan Imo scored Nigeria’s third goal of the game, 16 minutes before regulation time after she was teed up by Oshoala. The Super Falcons finished the competition with two wins and two defeats from four games.

They lost to Austria and Belgium 4-1 and 1-0 respectively. Their other win aside from today’s victory against Thailand was the 4-3 success against Slovakia. 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup-bound Nigeria were joined by 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations finalists South Africa as the two African countries who participated in the 2019 Cyprus Women’s Cup. They were amongst 12 nations to challenge for glory in the invitational tournament which kicked off on Feb. 23. Aside from the African duo, Czech Republic, Finland, Korea DPR, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Thailand and Slovakia were the other nations who competed in the 12-nation competition.

The football event, which is the 12th edition served as a preparatory tournament for the two African sides ahead of the 2019 Mundial in France, which will also feature Thailand and Italy. While the Super Falcons were attending the women’s international tournament for the first time, Banyana were making their seventh appearance after finishing sixth in the 2018 edition. England hold US to draw in SheBelieves, Japan beat Brazil Reigning African queens Nigeria were drawn against Austria, Belgium, Slovakia in Group C, while South Africa were pooled in Group A with Czech Republic, Finland and Korea DPR in the Cyprus tournament. The Super Falcons will face hosts France, Norway and Korea Republic in the first round of the World Cup in June. 2019 FIFA WWC: French coach refuses to write off Super Falcons The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the eighth edition of the competition expected to run from June 7 to July 7. (NAN)