GROUP A
Morocco 1-0 Burkina Faso
The 12th edition of the Women African Cup of Nations kicked off in Rabat Morocco on Saturday as host Nation, Morocco edge Burkina Faso thanks to a first half free-kick by their legendary captain, Ghizlane Chebbake.
The goal came one minute before the half hour mark when Burkina Faso goalkeeper, Mariam Ouattara made a mess of the free-kick from the No. 7, which in the end define the result of the game.
Senegal 2-0 Uganda
On Sunday, Senegal earned their first ever win in the competition thanks to goals in either half from Ndeye Diakhate and Nguenar Ndiaye, which helped them seal a 2-0 win over Uganda.
Senegal leapfrog Morocco to the Group A summit after that win with both country on three points while Burkina Faso and Uganda occupy third and fourth respectively.
Host country Morocco face Uganda after Senegal’s meeting with Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
GROUP B
Cameroon 0-0 Zambia
In the second kickoff of the day, there was nothing to separate Cameroon and Zambia, the later who had their captain, Barbra Banda disqualified from participation for reportedly having high testosterone level.
It finished goalless in what was the opening game of Group B.
Tunisia 4-1 Togo
Later on Sunday, Tunisia also recorded their first ever win in the competition in an entertaining goal feast in game at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca against Togo.
The North Africans took an early two goal lead after 12 minutes following a second goal from Sabrine Ellouzi after Mariem Houij had given them a first minute lead.
Odette Gnintegma pulled one back for Togo with their first ever goal in the competition eight minutes before the half hour mark to restore a slim hope for the West African side.
Sabrine Ellouzi completed the first brace in this edition of the competition to restore Tunisia’s two goal lead on the hour mark before an Ame Amouklou’s own goal made it 4-1 to help Tunisia put the game to bed.
Landolsi Samir’s move to the top of the group while Togo remain at the bottom.
Up next for Tunisia is Zambia and a win will see them through to the next round while Togo face Cameroon looking for their first point in the tournament.
GROUP C
Nigeria 1-2 South Africa
The Bayana Bayana of South Africa made it back-to-back win against the Nigerian Super Falcons to get their Women African Cup of Nations campaign off to a flier.
After beating the Super Falcons 4-2 in the final of the Aishah Buhari Cup in Lagos last year, the Bayana Bayana were full with confidence heading into the clash even though they’ve lost seven in 13 meetings.
After a cagey first half which produced no shots, South Africa took control of the game thanks to a quick fire double thanks to Jarmaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia 61st and 63rd minutes respectively.
Rasheedat Ajibade pulled one back for the Falcons deep into injury time but too little too late as South Africa hold on to the maximum points.
The results means South Africa are unbeaten in four against the Super Falcons for games ending in 90 minutes, winning three and drawing in the final of the last edition of the women AFCON before going on to lose on penalties.
Burundi 2-4 Botswana
An entertaining second 45 minutes produced five goals as Botswana, in their first ever game in the Women African Cup of Nations thrash Burundi in final kickoff of round one games.
The South Africans took a late lead in the first half thanks to Keitsumeste Dithebe two minutes from time, an historical goal for Botswana as it was their first ever goal in the competition.
The lead was doubled two minutes after the restart by Lesego Ridiakanyo before Niyonkuru pulled one back for Burundi in the 51st minute.
Rifelwe Tholakele completed a brace between the 55th and the 60th minute to help Botswana establish a comfortable lead but Niyonkuru completed a brace of her own nine minutes from the end of the normal 90 as Botswana ease to a 4-2 win.
Botswana move up the table as South Africa drop to second on goal difference. Nigeria and Burundi in third and fourth respectively.
Botswana takes on Nigeria next while it’s South Africa against Burundi.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
