Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo scored twice as AFC Toronto sealed their place in the Northern Super League playoffs with a dominant 7–0 win over Vancouver Rise FC on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Okoronkwo, who has been in fine form all season, opened the scoring with a stunning free kick in the 6th minute before adding her second in the 66th. The victory ended Vancouver’s eight-game unbeaten run and confirmed Toronto as the first team to qualify for the playoffs.
Toronto’s other goals came through Kaylee Hunter, who struck twice to take her tally to 12 for the season, Kaela Hansen, Sarah Stratigakis, and Jade Kovacevic, who scored her first of the year. The result also marked Toronto’s biggest win of the campaign as they remain top of the standings.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre captained Al Ittihad and provided the assist for the winning goal in their 2–1 victory over Al Ula in the season opener. Brazilian striker Leticia Nunes gave the hosts an early lead in the 12th minute, but Tuani Lemos equalised four minutes later to leave the game level at halftime. Plumptre made the difference after the restart, setting up Nunes for her second of the match in the 60th minute.
Her compatriot, Francisca Ordega, was introduced late in the 87th minute to help secure the win as Al Ittihad began their campaign with all three points. They will next face Eastern Flames away on Friday, September 19.
