Nigeria had to rely on an injury time goal to defeat Mali 1-0 as they commenced their Wafu B Women’s Cup of Nations campaign on Thursday.
Youngster Peace Efih scored the solitary goal that separated the sides at Parcs des Sport and secured all three points for ten-time African champions.
Nigeria had a lot of chances at goal in the game but Mali’s goalkeeper Karantoa Fatoumata and her defenders stood their ground to resist the Nigerians’ firepower.
However, the Super Falcons, who bossed possession for most part of the game, paid dearly for their sloppy play in the final third when Nigeria’s Ajibade struck to breae the deadlock, few seconds to the end of the game.
Mali accepted a late call up to the regional tourney to replace Benin Republic, who tendered an unexpected withdrawal notice to be excused from the inaugural edition of the tourney.
In the other Group B game, Senegal strolled to a 6-0 win over Togo.
