Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a goalless draw against Algeria in Casablanca, finishing top of Group B with seven points. The result not only confirmed Nigeria’s dominance in the group stage where they went unbeaten without conceding but also booked a high-stakes last-eight showdown with Zambia on Friday.
Despite controlling possession and creating multiple chances, the Super Falcons were unable to break down a compact Algerian defense. Star players Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini were lively on the flanks, but Nigeria’s attacking sharpness remained in question as clear-cut chances went unconverted. Echegini nearly snatched a late winner with a curling shot in the 89th minute, but it drifted just wide.
Nigeria, the record nine-time champions, are chasing a historic 10th WAFCON title and are widely regarded as tournament favorites. However, their inability to score against Algeria may raise concerns heading into the knockout rounds, particularly against a strong Zambian side.
For Algeria, the draw marked a significant milestone as they reached the WAFCON knockout stages for the first time ever. Progressing as Group B runners-up, the North Africans relied on defensive resilience, having not conceded a single goal throughout the group stage. Ghoutia Karchouni’s winner against Botswana proved decisive in their qualification. Algeria will now face the second-placed team from Group C in their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
Elsewhere in the group, Botswana staged a dramatic comeback to beat Tunisia 2-1, significantly improving their chances of advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams. Lesego Radiakanyo canceled out Yesmin Khanchouch’s early strike, before Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse scored a stunning stoppage-time winner in the 96th minute to keep Botswana’s WAFCON dream alive.
Meanwhile, defending champions South Africa and Mali have already booked their quarter-final spots from Group C, with a pivotal match between the two sides set for Monday in Oujda. Ghana and Tanzania will also clash in Berkane, with both sides needing a win to keep their hopes alive.
With the WAFCON 2024 knockout stage taking shape, fans across Africa and beyond are anticipating intense matchups and standout performances as the continent’s top women’s teams vie for continental glory in Morocco.
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