TAIWO ADELU
Cup holders Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana in one of the group phase matches of the ongoing 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon on Wednesday.
The Falcons drew the first blood when Asisat Oshoala scored her fifth of the tournament in the 19th minute at the Stade Omnisports Limbe, but the Nigerians were somewhat too anxious in front of goal and missed several chances.
Ghana drew level two minutes before recess when Ugo Njoku committed a foul in the box and Elizabeth Addo made no mistake from the spot.
In the: second half, the reigning champions piled much pressure on their West African counterparts, but the Black Queens were well organized at the rear and kept the scoreline even.
Oshoala should have put Nigeria ahead in the 63rd minute but failed to connect a cross by Francisca Ordega, and in the 77th minute, substitute Florence Dadson came close at the other end, but goalkeeper Alaba Jonathan timed her run well.
A brilliant move by Faith Ikidi pierced the Ghanaian defence with two minutes left, only for Ordega to fluff the opportunity with Desire Oparanozie unmarked behind her.
On the dot of time, penalty appeals by Nigeria were waived away by the referee after Oshoala was upended in the box by the Ghanaian goalkeeper.
The Falcons remain top of Group B on goals difference from the Black Queens, and will play Kenya on Sunday. The Black Queens will slug it out with Mali, who were poleaxed 6-0 by Nigeria.
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