WAFCON: Dramatic Finishes as Botswana and Algeria Secure Their Fates
In a thrilling day at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025, Botswana and Algeria both secured crucial results that shaped the tournament’s quarter-final landscape.
Botswana clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tunisia, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse in injury time. The match at Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca began with urgency as Tunisia struck first, with Yesmin Khanchouch scoring in the 12th minute. However, Botswana responded strongly in the second half when Lesego Radiakanyo equalized in the 66th minute. As the match approached its conclusion, Ontlametse’s timely goal sent Botswana into wild celebrations. Unfortunately, their hopes for a quarter-final spot were dashed as Nigeria and Algeria played to a goalless draw, leaving Botswana third in Group B with just three points.
Meanwhile, Algeria secured their place in the quarter-finals for the first time in history after holding Nigeria to a 0-0 stalemate at Stade Larbi Zaouli. The match was tightly contested, with Nigeria dominating possession but unable to find the net, thanks in part to the exceptional performance of Algerian goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi. Despite several close calls from the Super Falcons, including a powerful header from Esther Okoronkwo in stoppage time, Algeria’s disciplined defense held firm, allowing them to finish with five points in Group B, securing the second spot behind Nigeria.
Algeria’s coach, Farid Benstiti, praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We knew it would take a perfect defensive game to hold Nigeria.” The result means Nigeria will face the runners-up from Group A, while Algeria prepares for a historic knockout stage appearance as underdogs.
