Olympic Games Qualifiers: Nigeria beat South Africa; Morocco edge closer with away win in Zambia
Nigeria surged ahead with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against South Africa in the first-leg of the final qualification round for the women at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Abuja on Friday.
Rasheedat Ajibade was the heroine for the Super Falcons as her converted penalty sealed the victory for the home side in their final qualifier.
The Super Falcons asserted their dominance early in the match, with Ihezuo narrowly missing a scoring opportunity in the fifth minute after a precise pass from Echigini.
Thirteen minutes later, Ihezuo’s header from Okeke’s cross further threatened the Banyana Banyana defence, signaling the home side’s intent.
These near misses served as a prelude to Nigeria’s breakthrough just before halftime.
A determined run by Chinwendu Ihezuo into the penalty area culminated in a foul, leading to the referee awarding a penalty in favor of Nigeria.
Ajibade stepped up to the spot and calmly converted, granting the Super Falcons a crucial lead as half-time beckoned.
Banyana Banyana launched a spirited fightback after the break with Seoposenwe tested Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 56th minute, but her efforts were thwarted.
Nnadozie continued to showcase her prowess, making another crucial save four minutes later to maintain Nigeria’s advantage.
With the final whistle blowing, Nigeria emerged triumphant with a slender 1-0 victory in the inaugural leg of the final qualifying round.
South Africa now face an uphill battle as they seek to overturn the deficit during the return leg slated for April 9 in Pretoria
Moroccan women’s national team edged closer to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games following their dramatic 2-1 first-leg triumph against hosts Zambia in Ndola on Friday.
The Atlas Lionesses secured the important away victory in the dying embers of the game with striker Rosella Ayane grabbing the winner in the 95th minute.
This triumph places the Atlas Lionesses in a commanding position as they brace for the return leg scheduled on home soil next Tuesday.
Under the astute guidance of coach Jorge Vilda, the Moroccan squad displayed exceptional resilience and skill to outmaneuver their Zambian counterparts led by Bruce Mwape.
Despite facing early pressure, they withstood a penalty scare in the 33rd minute, brilliantly thwarted by Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Rmichi, denying Prisca Chilufya’s attempt.
However, just before halftime, Morocco seized the initiative with a breathtaking goal by Zineb Redouani in the 45th minute from 30 yards plus, leaving Zambian goalkeeper Eunice Sakala helpless.
Upon resumption, the Moroccans faced relentless pressure from Zambia, eventually conceding an equalizer from Lushomo Mweemba in the 80th minute.
Yet, with the match seemingly destined for a stalemate, Ayane emerged as the hero, securing victory for Morocco in the dying moments of game.
As Jorge Vilda’s squad prepares to return home, they will be seeking to replicate the form on Tuesday when they host Zambia in the return leg.
