Zambia, Cameroon with impressive victories

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Jul 10, 2022. 13:00

Saturday 9 July’s action in the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (WAFCON) saw Zambia and Cameroon claim impressive victories over Togo and Tunisia respectively to wrap up Group B at the tournament.

Zambia, who were already assured of quarterfinal qualification, put an exclamation point on their progress with a 4-1 thrashing of Togo at Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat. Grace Chanda (two), Ireen Lungu and Xiomara Mapepa scored the goals as Shepolopolo topped the log with seven points and booked a quarterfinal meeting with Senegal on Wednesday 13 July.

At Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Cameroon secured a 2-0 triumph over Tunisia thanks to an early strike from Michaela Abam and a late nerve-settler from Ajara Nchout.

The result sees the Indomitable Lionesses advance as runners-up in Group B to face the second-place team from Group C (likely to be Nigeria), while Tunisia will also advance as one of two best third-placed teams – their quarterfinal clash will be against the Group C winners (likely to be South Africa).

Sunday 10 July brings Matchday 3 action from Group C, as Nigeria – the tournament’s most successful team and reigning champions – look to ensure that they secure qualification for the quarterfinals.

The Super Falcons will face Burundi at Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat at the same time that South Africa (who have already secured progression into the final eight) tackle regional rivals Botswana at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum says he will not tinker too much with the team to face Burundi, hoping that they continue the momentum gathered in the previous win over Botswana.

“It is a long tournament. You need to be better every game. This was not the end product; we know we have to build on this as we continue to progress through the tournament,” explained the American tactician.

“It was nice to get some players in but we will not do things in a crazy way. We are not through yet, we still have another result we have to get on Sunday so there will be continued evaluation of all the players.”

WAFCON results and fixtures

Saturday 9 July

Cameroon 2-0 Tunisia

Zambia 4-1 Togo

Sunday 10 July (times CAT)

22:00: South Africa v Botswana

22:00: Nigeria v Burundi