Falcons Held By Mali In AAG Qualifier
All Africa Games Qualifier: Super Falcons 1-1 Mali.
Mali grabbed a late goal to force the Super Falcons to a 1-1 draw in an All African Games Qualifiers first leg encounter at the Stade Modibbo Keitaon Saturdaynight.
Super Falcons head coach, Edwin Okon fielded a strong side, with the intention of grabbing a healthy first leg advantage in Bamako.
Usual suspects like Ibubeleye Whyte, Ugo Njoku, Ebere Ngozi, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Halimatu Ayinde, Ngozi Okobi and Francisca Ordega were all named in the starting line-up.
Nasarawa Amazons defender, Maryam Ibrahim edged Osinachi Ohale to pair Josephine Chukwunonye at centre-back.
Mercy Amanze was given the chance to impress from the left-wing.
Porthsmouth Ladies forward Umotong Iniabasi, Confluence Queens youngster Chioma Wogu and Bayelsa Queens striker were all kept on the substitutes' bench as jokers.
The seven-time African Women's Championship winners made a bright start to the game and inside the opening 10 minutes, but they narrowly curled over the bar.
Mali were contented with sitting back and catching the highly fancied Super Falcons on the break.
The visitors missed several chances to score in the first 40 minutes.
Three minutes before half time, Falcons were almost in front, but it too close and another lucky spell for the hosts as they held Nigeria to a scoreless draw.
Both teams came out forcefully after the break to open up the game.
Nigeria were in front after seven minutes with Delta Queens star Okobi finishing from close range.
Determined not to go down to the Super Falcons, the Malians adopted a more positive approach and forced Whyte to a point-blank save in the 67th minute.
And they were back on level terms eight minutes from time.
A back pass from Ebere to Whyte wasn't well dealt with by the goalkeeper and the hosts scored.
Super Falcons searched for a late winner, but they were frustrated by the Malian side.
The second leg encounter will come up next forthnight at the Abuja National Stadium.
Super Falcons Starters:Ibubeleye Whyte, Ugo Njoku, Ebere Ngozi, Maryam Ibrahim, Josephine Chukwunonye, Evelyn Nwabuoku (c), Ngozi Okobi, Halimatu Ayinde, Cecilia Nku, Mercy Amanze, Francisca Ordega
Reserves:Christy Ohiaeriaku, Ohale Osinachi, Edoho Blessing, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Chioma Wogu, Yetunde Adeboyejo, Iniabasi Umotong.