Falconets beat Korea to claim first Group C win

The Super Falconets are a point away from qualifying for the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada after a 2-1 win over Korea Republic in Moncton.

A draw in their last Group C match against England on Wednesday in Edmonton is all the team needs now after goals from Courtney Dike and Chinwendu Ihezuo were enough to see off the hard-fighting Koreans.

Dike, who was starting her first match of the tournament after coming on as substitute in the 1-1 against Mexico, scored the fastest goal in the history of FIFA women’s tournaments after she took advantage of slack defending from the Asians to slot home after only 12 seconds of play.

Despite going ahead, the Falconets continued to pile pressure on the Koreans’ defence,  and Osarenoma Igbinovia’s shot from distance was tipped over the bar by Min Yukyeong.

Nigeria had the chance to go two up in the 17 th minute when Asisat Oshoala’s cross found the unmarked Loveth Ayila in the penalty area, but she wasted the opportunity as her shot hit a defender and went wide.

The Super Falconets extended their lead nine minutes to half-time through Ihezuo who controlled a cross from Ugo Njoku before deftly firing a shot past Min Yukyeong.

Nigeria continued to dominate play on resumption of the second half but once in a while, they were caught off guard by the Koreans.

The persistent pressure from the Asians finally paid off in the 71st minute after the Falconets failed to clear a loose ball in their defence and Kim Soyi wasted no time in blasting the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty box.

From then on to the final whistle, it was a nervy affair for the Falconets. They held on, though, and claimed the first win of the group.

Earlier in the day, England could only settle for a 1-1 draw with Mexico.