WAFCON 2024: Algeria hold Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Botswana stun Tunisia

Algeria frustrated nine-time champions Nigeria in a goalless draw on Sunday night in Casablanca, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Super Falcons top spot in Group B at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) taking place in Morocco.

In the other final group match, Botswana stunned Tunisia with a late 2–1 comeback victory — though their qualification for the quarterfinals still hangs in the balance.

The Super Falcons, already assured of progression before kick-off, made eight changes to their starting lineup but still dominated long spells of the contest at the Stade Larbi Zaouli.

However, a disciplined Algerian side stood firm to earn a valuable point and seal second place in the group with five points.

Despite the stalemate, Nigeria finished the group stage unbeaten — with two wins, one draw, four goals scored and none conceded — and will now take on Zambia in the quarterfinals.

Sunday’s encounter began on a solemn note, as players and officials observed a minute of silence in honour of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier in the day.

Botswana grab dramatic win but must wait

Over at the Stade Père Jégo, Botswana produced one of the surprises of the group phase, coming from behind to beat Tunisia 2–1 and register their first win of the tournament.

Tunisia had taken an early lead through Y. Khanchouch in the 12th minute, but the Mares replied through L. Radiakanyo in the 66th and a dramatic stoppage-time winner from G. Ontlametse.

The result means Botswana end Group B in third place with three points and a goal difference of -1. While that could be enough to squeeze into the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams, their fate now depends on results in Groups C and D.

Tunisia, meanwhile, finish bottom of the group with just one point and crash out of the tournament — a disappointing end to a campaign that began with promise.