Womens AFCON 2022: Holders Nigeria hammer Burundi to reach quarterfinals; South Africa, Botswana join them
The group stage of the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was concluded on Sunday as defending champions Nigeria redeemed themselves with a resounding 4-0 victory over Burundi to secure a place in the quarter-finals together with fellow group opponents South Africa and Botswana.
The Super Falcons thrashed the debutants thanks to a brace by Uchenna Kanu at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay-Abdellah in Rabat.
Having lost the opening group game to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, Nigeria revived themselves to win their last two games to advance to the last eight.
Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring in the 25th minute after converting from the spot after she was brought down in the box.
Efih scored her first international goal to double the advantage for Nigeria moments later before Kanu added another goal before the break.
Kanu scored again with an effort from close range just a minute after recess. The Falcons held onto their lead with their domination until the end of the match.
The result means Nigeria finished second on the Group C standings with six points, three less than group winners South Africa who achieved a 100% record by winning all three games following their 1-0 win over neighbours Botswana.
Banyana Banyana, who had already secured their place in the quarter-finals before their final group match, cemented the top place following the win to finish ahead of title holders Nigeria.
Desiree Ellis’ charges dominated the game from the start of the match until the final whistle as teenager Nthabisang Majiya scored the winning goal.
Majiya, 18, came off the bench to replace Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana to score the only goal of the match in the 80th minute.
Despite their defeat to South Africa, Botswana still sailed through to the quarter-finals for the first time as one of the two best third placed best teams.
They managed a 4-2 victory over Burundi in their opening group match which earned them three points and the third spot in Group C.
