The 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations proceeded with its Repechage stage to determine the two teams who will represent Africa in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental playoff on Sunday and spots were confirmed for Cameroon and Senegal following narrow victories. Senegal and Tunisia played to a scoreless draw after ninety minutes before Senegal advanced 4-2 in the penalty shootout, giving the Lionesses of Teranga a chance to qualify for their first ever World Cup. In the later match, Cameroon shut out Botswana 1-0 and will attempt to qualify for their third straight World Cup.
Senegal looked like the more capable team in their encounter against Tunisia and came close on two occasions in the first half with Nguenar Ndiaye firing over from inside the penalty area before Mama Diop drew a save from Tunisia goalkeeper Soulaima Jabrani. Tunisia threatened a couple of times from set pieces in the second half but penalties were required to determine a winner. Mariem Houij and Ghada Ayadi missed consecutive spot kicks for Tunisia to set up Korka Fall’s winning kick for Senegal.
The second match on Sunday did see a goal scored and Cameroon’s Ajara Njoya provided it for the Indomitable Lionesses. After a dominant first half for Cameroon, Njoya sent a piledriver of an effort from distance to put her side in the lead in the final seconds before halftime. Botswana came close a couple of times in quick succession in the 74th minute but Refilwe Tholakele’s outside of the boot shot was parried wide by Cameroon keeper Ange Bawou before she tipped the following corner kick off the crossbar, but Botswana failed to finish in the ensuing goal mouth scramble.
Highlights from both Repechage games are below.
Senegal 0-0 Tunisia (Senegal wins 4-2 on penalties)
Cameroon 1-0 Botswana
