Malawi, Nigeria, advance while Zambia suffer historic WAFCON exit
Nigeria booked a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final meeting with Cameroon after defeating Egypt 6-2, while Zambia were eliminated despite beating Malawi because of the tournament’s head-to-head tiebreak rules.
Nigeria secured a place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a commanding 6-2 victory over Egypt, while Zambia were dramatically eliminated despite defeating Malawi 2-1 in the final Group B matches.
The results left Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia level on six points, with Zambia missing out on head-to-head goals scored.
The Super Falcons opened the scoring through Asisat Oshoala’s penalty before the striker was forced off with an injury late in the first half. Gift Monday extended Nigeria’s lead, but Egypt responded through Nadeen Ghazy from the penalty spot to keep the contest alive before the break.
Nigeria took control after halftime as Uchenna Kanu scored before winning a penalty converted by Christy Ucheibe. Although Ghazy netted her second for Egypt, captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted another late penalty before substitute Joy Omewa added a sixth goal deep into stoppage time.
In Rabat, Zambia appeared destined for the knockout stage after first-half goals from Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya secured a 2-1 victory over Malawi.
However, Tabitha Chawinga’s second-half strike proved decisive, giving Malawi the superior head-to-head goals tally among the three teams tied on points.
The Confederation of African Football’s competition regulations ranked Malawi first, Nigeria second and Zambia third after separating the sides using head-to-head records and goals scored between the tied teams.
Malawi’s progression marked a memorable achievement for the tournament debutants despite their defeat.
Nigeria will now face Cameroon in the quarter-finals as they continue their defence of the continental title.
While the Super Falcons showed their attacking quality with six goals, the concession of two goals and the injury to Oshoala will remain concerns ahead of the knockout stage.
