Saturday, 7 December, 2002, 16:09 GMT
Nigeria off to flying start
WOMENS' AFRICAN NATIONS CUP
Nigeria's quest for a third African title began on a convincing note, as
the Super Falcons beat Ethiopia 3-0 in the tournament's opening match in
Warri.

Stella Mbachu opened scoring for Nigeria in the 19th minute.

The reigning African Champions dominated play, with little opposition
from their East African counterparts.

Mercy Akide, Africa's Footballer of the Year, left her imprint on the
tie, scoring two goals in the second half.

Nigeria coach Sam Okpodu said Ethiopia gave his team a good contest.

"I'm happy with the result but I am not happy with the way my team
played," he told BBC Sport Online.

"It wasn't an easy game, as we started the game quite slowly.

"My players were quite anxious at the beginning but once we settled
down, we dominated the game as we should have done from the beginning,"
Okpodu said.

The Super Falcons face the Black Queens of Ghana on Tuesday.

Second match

Ghana beat Mali 2-0 in the other match of Group A.

Captain Albertha Sackey and Dgajmah Marvis were the scorers.

Inspite of the win, Black Queens Coach Okoo Aryee said he was unhappy
with his team's quality of play.

"We're yet to settle but when we play Nigeria you will see a different
team," he said at the post-match press conference.

"My players are capable of a lot more."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, visit:

        http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/aam.html

AAM Website:  http://www.danenet.wicip.org/aam
----------------------------------------------------------------------------