Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Botswana to become the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo was the hero, scoring in the 89th minute after latching onto a low cross from Esther Okoronkwo to seal a hard-fought victory at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The win places Nigeria at the top of Group B with six points from two matches, ensuring their progression to the knockout stage. Earlier in the day, Tunisia and Algeria played out a goalless draw, keeping Algeria second with four points and Tunisia third with one. Botswana remain bottom of the group, yet to pick up a point.
Despite their underdog status, Botswana gave Nigeria a stern test. Their best opportunity came early in the game when Refilwe Tholakele’s volley was saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria dominated much of the possession but struggled to convert chances. Ashleigh Plumptre and Toni Payne both came close in the first half, while Plumptre forced a fingertip save from Botswana’s Sedilame Boseja in the second. Boseja also denied Jennifer Echegini late in the match before Ihezuo’s decisive goal.
Nigeria will now face Algeria in their final group match on Sunday, while Botswana must beat Tunisia to have any hope of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
Meanwhile, Group B has taken a dramatic turn with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announcing an investigation into “alleged violations” involving Algeria at the tournament. Details remain unclear, and CAF has said it will not comment further until the investigation is concluded.
Algeria, who played out a 0-0 draw against Tunisia, must now wait on CAF’s ruling, which could impact their qualification hopes.
Tunisia had the better chances in the first half, with Sana Guermazi forcing a top save from Algerian keeper Chloe N’Gazi. However, Soulaima Jobrani also made key stops to keep Tunisia in the game.
Tunisia’s attacking struggles continue, having now failed to score in five consecutive WAFCON matches. Their final group clash against Botswana could still offer a route to the quarter-finals, depending on results and the CAF investigation outcome.
