Algeria made history on Sunday night by qualifying for their first-ever CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals, following a determined 0-0 draw against nine-time champions Nigeria. The result secured Algeria second place in Group B with five points, behind Nigeria, who topped the group with seven. It was a momentous achievement for the North Africans, who had never progressed beyond the group stage in previous editions. Facing a star-studded Nigerian side, Algeria displayed impressive tactical discipline and resilience, keeping a clean sheet against the tournament favourites and earning the crucial point they needed to advance.
Algeria will now face the runners-up from Group C in the quarterfinals, while Nigeria are set for a blockbuster clash with Zambia on Friday, a tie already being billed as a “final before the final.”
In the other Group B fixture, Botswana stunned Tunisia with a dramatic 2-1 victory to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. Tunisia took the lead through Yesmin Khanchouch in the 12th minute, but Botswana rallied in the second half. Lesego Radiakanyo equalized in the 66th minute before Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse struck a stoppage-time winner to hand Botswana their first points of the tournament. With three points and a –1 goal difference, Botswana must now wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Tunisia, with just one point, are out.
Group A had wrapped up on Saturday night, with Morocco and Zambia both confirming their quarterfinal places after wins over Senegal and DR Congo respectively.
With Groups A and B concluded, four teams are officially through to the quarterfinals: Morocco, Zambia, Nigeria, and Algeria. The final group standings in Group C ,featuring South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania will determine the remaining quarterfinalists, as well as which two third-placed teams will advance.
The confirmed quarterfinal pairing so far ;
Nigeria vs Zambia
The clash between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Zambia’s Copper Queen’s promises fireworks a heavyweight battle between two of Africa’s best sides.
