2023WWC: Brave Super Falcons Crash Out To England On Penalties
European champions England have defeated nine-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nation winners Nigeria, 4-2 on penalties for a place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The round of 16 games ended goalless in normal and extra-time at the Brisbane Stadium in Australia.
But Chloe Kelly scored the winning kick in the shoot-out to take European champions England, who had Lauren James sent off in normal time, through to a last-eight tie against Colombia or Jamaica.
England-born Ashleigh Plumptre had two golden chances to open the scoring, the first coming in the 16th minute when a strike from outside the box crashed into the crossbar.
A minute later she forced a fine diving save from Mary Earps.
The Nigerians had eight shots at goal in the first half, three more than England, whose best chance fell to Alessia Russo in the 23rd minute.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first, England dominating possession but Nigeria looking the more dangerous.
England had a golden chance to seal the match with 15 minutes left only for Chiamaka Nnadozie to pull off a fine save from Rachel Daly’s powerful header.
The Lionesses won 4-2 on penalties on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
Despite Nigeria having the better of the chances throughout, the European Champions — reduced to 10 players after 87 minutes — snuck home in front of 50,000 spectators after the match had finished 0-0 at the end of extra time
England held on after playmaker Lauren James received a red card for a needless stamp and will know they have to improve if they want to add the World Cup to their European crown.
England got off to a terrible start in the penalty shootout when Georgia Stanway fired wide, but Desire Oparanozie couldn’t take advantage and missed with an almost identical effort.
Beth England made no mistake, but Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie shot way over top to give England an advantage they never surrendered, sealing the win when Chloe Kelly calmly converted.
Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed their spot-kicks during the penalty shoot-out.
The quarter-final stages will take place on Friday and Saturday.
