Super Falcons Misfire as Zambia Await in WAFCON Showdown

Nigeria’s Super Falcons may have topped their group, but fans were left with more questions than confidence after a goalless draw against Algeria set up a blockbuster Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final against Zambia.

In a match where dominance on paper didn’t translate into goals on the pitch, Nigeria took 24 shots yet only two tested Algeria’s keeper. It was a performance full of missed chances and missed opportunities, raising eyebrows just days before they face a red-hot Zambian side.

Frustration in Casablanca

Nigeria came into Sunday night’s Group B clash having already secured a place in the last eight, which gave coach Justin Madugu some breathing room to rotate the squad. But if the intention was to scout fresh match-winners for the knockout stages, few made a convincing case.

Rasheedat Ajibade looked sharp and was denied a potential penalty after being clipped in the box, while Jennifer Echegini unlocked the Algerian defence on several occasions but lacked the finishing touch.

Local fans, already invested in Nigeria’s title run after their dominance in previous WAFCON tournaments, took to social media to vent their concerns. “How do you have 24 shots and no goals?” one user posted on X. “We can’t waste chances like this against Zambia.”

Zambia Loom Large

Zambia, fresh from a strong showing in Group A, now stand between Nigeria and a place in the semi-finals. With attacking talent like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji in fine form, the Copper Queens are arguably one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament.

While Nigeria have the pedigree, Zambia have momentum. The quarter-final will be played at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca this Friday, and it’s already being billed as a clash of giants.

Botswana’s Late Drama Keeps Hopes Flickering

In the other Group B fixture, Botswana staged a second-half comeback to stun Tunisia 2-1 and keep their dream of reaching the knockouts alive — but only just.

Yesmin Khanchouch opened the scoring for Tunisia early on, but the Mares clawed back through Lesego Radiakanyo’s equaliser and a stoppage-time strike from Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse. Celebrations erupted in the Botswana camp, yet their fate now lies in the hands of Group C.

Botswana need Tanzania and Ghana to draw in their clash on Monday night. A win for either side spells elimination for the Mares.

Elsewhere in The Tournament

Senegal have already advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, while Group C’s South Africa and Mali are safely through to the next round regardless of the remaining results.

Banyana Banyana, the defending champions, will face Mali in Oujda for top spot in their group. That fixture kicks off on Monday at 9pm South African time, alongside the decisive Tanzania vs Ghana match that could seal Botswana’s fate.

Source:ESPN Africa 

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