Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses and the Female Eagles of Mali fought out the first stalemate of the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena yesterday, both sides missing a hatful of chances to put the ball in the net.
The Lionesses, 1-0 winners over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon on Day 2, were impressive with their ball-management on the park, vision, anticipation and firm control. Mali lost by two late goals to Nigeria on the opening day on Wednesday but were more dogged against the North Africans.
Mali, determined to make something out of their last match of the tournament, looked up to the France –based AissataTraore most of the time, and her deft touches nearly paid off in the 32nd minute as she beat three defenders but was checkmated as she bore down on Errmichi’s goal.
OumouKone had a brilliant opportunity to put Mali ahead in the 52nd minute off a defensive error by ZinebRedouani, but her shot flew wide of the goalpost.
Six minutes later, Fatima Tagnaout missed narrowly with the net gaping after a good run and cross by Mssoudy. In the 61st minute, Badri let fly a shot from outside the box but Fatoumata was able.
The Atlas Lionesses finished their campaign with four points, and immediately flew out of Lagos aboard an Air France flight to Paris, to connect Casablanca today.
Mali gained one point and would remain grateful for the opportunity offered by the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament to measure their strength ahead of next month’s 2022 Women AFCON qualifying fixtures.
Today, Ghana’s Black Queens come face to face with the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.