Nigeria first side to advance to WAFCON quarters

Nigeria became the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)  on Thursday, defeating a determined Botswana team 1-0 in Casablanca thanks to a late goal from Chinwendu Ihezuo.

In a tightly contested encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Ihezuo’s composed 89th-minute finish finally broke the resistance of the Mares, who had frustrated the nine-time champions for much of the game with a disciplined defensive display and outstanding goalkeeping from captain Sedilame Boseja.

The win saw the Super Falcons maintain their 100% with 6 points after thumping Tunisia 3-0 in the Group B opener.

Tunisia and Algeria played out a tense goalless draw in Casablanca as both sides missed the opportunity to take control of their WAFCON 2024 Group B campaign.

In a clash that pitted two familiar North African neighbours against each other, the much-anticipated Maghreb derby at Stade Père Jégo offered intensity and grit but ultimately lacked the cutting edge, as neither side managed to break the deadlock.

Ghana Black Starlets will tackle Mali in a West African derby tonight in Group C before defending champions Banyanbanyana clash with the only East African representative, Tanzania, in the 2nd fixture of the day.