Nigeria’s Super Falcons have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
READ ALSO: Super Falcons Start WAFCON Campaign With 3-0 Victory
The decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Mexico-based striker Chinwendu Ihezuo, who also scored in Nigeria’s 3-0 win against Tunisia, latched onto a well-placed pass from Esther Okoronkwo to seal the win.
Despite early pressure from Botswana — including a fierce shot by Refilwe Tholakele that forced two saves from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie — the Super Falcons found it difficult to break down a defence-heavy Botswana side that packed players behind the ball.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide all probed the Southern African team’s backline to no avail in a largely scrappy affair.
Defender Ashley Plumptre and substitute Ihezuo both came close in the second half, with Maitumelo Bosija — Botswana’s South Africa-based goalkeeper — making several key stops to keep her team in contention.
Eventually, it was substitute Okoronkwo who unlocked the Botswana defence with a clever play and provided the assist for Ihezuo’s match-winner.
The Super Falcons will play Algeria in their final Group B match on Sunday, 6th July, at the same venue in Casablanca.