By our reporter 19-7-2025
Before Friday’s quarter final game of the Women African Cup of Nations against Zambian Copper Queens, the Super Falcons were made to look little.
But at the end of 90 minutes at the Stade Larbi Zaouli Casablanca, Morocco, Zambia were torn into shreds and according to defender Ashleigh Plumptre that performance was a statement made to fans who doubted the team.
“Some people thought we would struggle, and some even counted us out, making us feel like underdogs as well.
“It was nice to come out with a statement win, and that’ll give us a lot of confidence going into the semi-final.
“People will always doubt, but we have to remember that the teams we played before this game respected us and played in a low-block, making it harder for us to get goals.
“Zambia are a bit more offensive, which allowed us to get in behind and be a bit more creative. In the end, it all helps, both doubters and supporters. Fans are fans,” Plumptre said.
She praised the Super Falcons defenders for keeping a clean sheet so far in the tournament.
“I’m happy with the performance. Obviously, as a defender, you like to have clean sheets, and to keep a clean sheet against a team like Zambia was a big deal for us.
“To also have five different goal scorers was good for us as well. I was very happy for Tosin [Demehin] and Osi [Ohale], maybe because defenders don’t always get that credit. They’re both excellent leaders in their own right.”