Peace Efih struck an extra time goal to hand Nigeria a hard-fought 1-0 win over a stubborn Malian national team in their opening game of the WAFU Women's Cup.

 Mali arrived in Abidjan at 1:45pm local time on Thursday, replacing Benin Republic who pulled out of the tournament two days to the kick off and gave Nigeria a good fight throughout the game.

The match at the Sports Park Stadium ended in a goalless draw after 90 minutes but Nigeria's experience counted for them against the Malians when it mattered most.

On the 94th minute, Edo Queens midfielder Efih stole the show for the Super Falcons, nodding home from a corner kick, which beat the keeper to the winning goal.

The Malians were, however, consoled with an award, Player of the Match, which went to Diarra Fatim after a dominant display.


Senegal recorded the biggest win of the tournament, thrashing a hapless Togolese side 6-0 in the other Group B clash yesterday.

The Senegalese began the goalscoring party after seven minutes through Atsu Ngom following a bright start to the encounter.

Sparrowhawk as they are nicknamed, Togo wasted an opportunity to get back into the game with Adinda Akpo missing a penalty on the 12th minute.

Failing to score from the spot, the Togolese paid dearly for it when Safiétou Sagna and Mariama Diendhou netted two goals to increase Senegal's lead to 3-0 at half time.

After the restart of the game, Player of the Match awardee, Mama Diop and Ndeye Awa Diakhité added the other goals which completed the rout for the Les Lionesses of Senegal.

Matches will resume in Group B on Saturday, February 17 when Nigeria comes up against Senegal, while Mali locks horn with Togo.


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