Costa Rica 2022: Falconets thrash Congo 4-0 in Brazzaville

The Falconets continued their impressive display from the second round by hammering hosts Congo 4-0 in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African qualifying third round fixture in Brazzaville on Sunday.

The results put the two–time World Cup silver medalists in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Nigeria in two weeks time.

Mercy Idoko put the Falconets ahead in the 38th minute before more goals from Flourish Sebastine (47th minute), and a penalty converted by Esther Onyenezide in the 50th minute put Nigeria in a comfortable position.

Five minutes later Deborah Ajibola scored the fourth goal to the Nigerian ladies out of the reach of their hosts.

Chris Danjuma’s girls completely dominated proceedings at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat, and could have been up earlier than the 38th minute when Idoko, who accounted for four of the 11 goals that drowned Central African Republic, put them in front against the hosts.

To reach the third round, the Falconets had thumped their counterparts from Central African Republic 7-0 in their first leg encounter in Douala, before wrapping things up at a stroll in Lagos, with a further four goals to the kitty.

Congo drew 1-1 with Egypt’s U-20 girls in Cairo and then won the return 3-1 in Brazzaville to be eligible for the fixture with the Falconets.

The second leg will hold at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on Saturday, December 18.