SportsLine.com wire reports
Sept. 14, 2000

CANBERRA, Australia -- Sun Wen scored twice as China overpowered Nigeria 3-1 in their opening game of the Olympics on Thursday.

But the Chinese found the Africans far tougher than expected.

Zhao Lihong gave China an early lead, but the expected goal romp never materialized as the Chinese, silver medalists in Atlanta four years ago, were strongly tested by the Nigerians.

Eight members of China's starting lineup played in the 1996 Olympic final when the team lost to the United States.

Barely 2,000 fans were scattered around the 24,000 capacity rugby league stadium at kickoff for the game, which preceded a men's match between South Africa and Japan.

The Chinese scored an exquisite goal in the 12th minute. There seemed little danger when Zhao chased a ball on the left, but she neatly lobbed the ball over defender Yinka Kudaisi and, with goalkeeper Anna Chiejine racing off her line, produced a stunning lobbed volley over her head inside the far post.

The Chinese appeared tired, but they doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Jin Yan's pass went through to Sun Wen and China's top striker volleyed past Chiejine.

Nigeria's Rita Nwadike hit the crossbar from barely three yards in the 77th minute. But nine minutes later, Sun put China further ahead with a 25-yard free kick that slipped through the hands of Chiejine.

Nigeria's goal came a minute later on a penalty kick by Perpetua Nkwocha.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

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