Hosts Morocco are through to the quarterfinals of the 2022 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after beating Senegal 1-0 on Friday (8 July) at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex.
The North Africans are now just 90 minutes away from their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.
Ghizlane Chebbak struck from the penalty spot in the 55th minute to secure victory for her side – their third in a row.
They also cemented their Group A top spot, with Senegal finishing second and also progressing to the last eight.
In the other group match, Uganda and debutants Burkina Faso could not be separated after a 2-all draw – with all the goals coming in the first half.
Both sides were eliminated from the competition.
Margret Kunihira opening the scoring for Uganda, and Burkina Faso suffered a further setback when defender Madinatou Rouamba was sent off in the 17th minute.
The West Africans restored parity through Adama Congo before Sandra Nabweteme handed the lead back to the East Africans.
The ball then deflected off Naomie Adele Kabre into the net after the Crested Cranes’ goalkeeper, Daisy Nakaziro, fumbled a cross – and it finished 2-all.
Group B comes to a close on Saturday with two matches – Cameroon facing Tunisia in Casablanca, while Zambia will go toe to toe with Togo in Rabat.
With the WAFCON also doubling up as World Cup qualifiers, the top four in Morocco will book their tickets to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
By Matlhomola Morake
