Nkwocha hat-trick aids Falcons sink Mali
A first half hat-trick from striker Perpertua Nkwocha and second half efforts from Stella Mbachu and Francisca Ordega powered Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a 5-0 victory over Mali on Monday in their Group A encounter at the Sinaba Stadium.
The five-time winners dominated the clash and could have scored more had the frontline been economical in front of goal, yet launched their campaign at the 7th CAF Women’s Championship on a winning note.
Veteran striker Nkwocha proved her doubters wrong as she banged in three goals to confirm her status as one of the players to watch at the championship.
The 34-year old forward, named CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2004 and 2005 unsettled the Malians with the opener as early as the first minute.
On 16 minutes, the Swedish-based player scored the second goal before completing her hat-trick three minutes from half time.
The Malians could only afford to chase the shadows of the Nigerians, despite displaying some individual brilliance.
Midfielder Mbachu scored the fourth goal on 70 minutes before 17-year old Ordega completed the rout six minutes from time with her first goal for the Falcons.
By the victory, the Falcons assumed the top spot of Group A on superior goals despite having three points apiece with hosts South Africa; Tanzania and Mali follow in that order with no points.
Nigeria next play South Africa on Thursday, November 4 whilst Mali face Tanzania on the same day.
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