The final round of the African qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has delivered its first outcomes, with clear momentum emerging ahead of the return legs. While some nations have taken a significant step toward qualification, others still face tightly contested battles.
Nigeria, a dominant force in women’s youth football on the continent, made a strong start to their tie against Malawi with a 2-0 victory. After a closely fought first half, the Nigerians broke the deadlock shortly after the restart through an own goal before K. Ifeanyi doubled the lead in the 57th minute.
Cameroon also secured an important advantage with a convincing 3-1 win over Tanzania.
The Indomitable Lionesses were initially stunned by an early goal from Winfreda Gerald (17’), but responded swiftly. Nyadjou led the comeback with a brace (36’, 50’), while Meva added a third just before halftime (45’+3). The result puts Cameroon firmly in control ahead of the return fixture.
Elsewhere, the tie between Côte d’Ivoire and Benin remains wide open following a 1-1 draw. N. N’Guessan gave the Ivorians the lead in the 29th minute, but R. Gandonou equalized just eight minutes later (37’). With both sides evenly matched, qualification will be decided in the second leg.
Ghana also holds a narrow advantage after defeating Uganda 2-1. Uganda struck first through A. Nabukenya (32’), but Ghana responded in the second half, with P. Mensah leveling the score (55’) before L. Abesik netted the winner late on (85’). While Ghana take a slim lead into the return leg, the tie remains finely balanced.
First Leg Results
Nigeria 2-0 Malawi
Scorers: M. Kenneth (46’, own goal), K. Ifeanyi (57’)
Cameroon 3-1 Tanzania
Scorers: M. Nyadjou (36’, 50’), K. Meva (45’+3) / W. Gerald (17’)
Côte d’Ivoire 1-1 Benin
Scorers: N. N’Guessan (29’) / R. Gandonou (37’)
Ghana 2-1 Uganda
Scorers: P. Mensah (55’), L. Abesik (85’) / A. Nabukenya (32’)
Return Leg Fixtures
Saturday, 9 May
- Uganda vs Ghana – 13:00 GMT, FUFA Stadium, Kampala
- Malawi vs Nigeria – 13:00 GMT, Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe
Sunday, 10 May
- Tanzania vs Cameroon – 12:30 GMT, Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar
- Benin vs Côte d’Ivoire – 15:00 GMT, Stade de Kégué, Lomé
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
