… as Algeria battled Tunisia to a 0-0 draw
BY EDWARD OSEGHE
Chinwendu Ihezuo’s 89th-minute goal handed Nigeria’s Super Falcons a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Falcons, who began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, found Botswana a tougher opponent in Thursday’s Group B clash.
Despite dominant play in the first half, forwards Rinsola Babajide and Asisat Oshoala were unable to break the deadlock.
Head coach Randy Waldrum introduced Christy Ucheibe, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Esther Okoronkwo in the second half to intensify the attack. Deborah Abidoun picked up a yellow card in the 55th minute and will miss the next group fixture.
Nigeria eventually found their breakthrough when substitute Ihezuo converted in the dying minutes to seal the crucial three points.
The Super Falcons will face Algeria in their final group match on Sunday, July 13, aiming to secure top spot in Group B.
Meanwhile, Algeria and Tunisia played out a goalless draw in their second group game on Thursday at the Stade Père-Jégo in Casablanca.
Tunisia, seeking to revive their campaign after losing to Nigeria, showed defensive resilience with goalkeeper Soulaima Jebrani making key saves to deny Algeria’s six shots on target out of 13 attempts.
The result places Algeria in a strong position to advance to the quarterfinals, having earlier defeated Botswana 1-0.
Tunisia, with just one point so far, must beat Botswana in their final group match on Sunday to stand any chance of progressing.
Algeria will face group leaders Nigeria in a decisive encounter as the battle for knockout stage tickets continues.
