Super Falcons defeat Botswana to reach Women’s AFCON quarterfinals

By Mark Ogagan

Nigeria picked a quarterfinal slot at the ongoing CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco when they edged hard fighting Botswana 1-0 in Casablanca on Thursday,

A late goal from substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo was enough to give the Super Falcons the maximum points.

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.

Nigeria, who had beaten Tunisia 3-0 in their opener, were made to work far harder by a Botswana side determined to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria.

Despite dominating possession and territory, Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half.

Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both squandered opportunities before the break, while Botswana nearly took a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts forced saves from Chiamaka Nnadozie.

With two wins from two and yet to concede a goal, Nigeria top Group B and are safely through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.

Botswana, meanwhile, remain without a point and must defeat Tunisia in their final match to have any chance of advancing.