Cameroon Knock Out Nigeria as Algeria, Morocco and Malawi Secure Women’s World Cup Berths

Cameroon, Algeria, Morocco and Malawi have all booked their places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil after reaching the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which is serving as the qualifying tournament for next summer’s global showpiece.

The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon secured their ticket with a stunning 1-0 victory over Nigeria, courtesy of a spectacular 30-yard free-kick from 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou. The win sent the Super Falcons crashing out of the tournament and left them facing a difficult path to qualify for the World Cup through the intercontinental play-offs.

Algeria fought back from a goal down to beat 10-player Ivory Coast 2-1, with Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham finding the net after N’Sira Oudraogo was sent off while the Ivorians were 1-0 ahead. The victory secured Algeria’s place in the last four and earned them a historic first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance.

Hosts Morocco continued their impressive run by defeating South Africa 2-1, with goals from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki and Hanane Ait El Haj sealing their qualification for Brazil.

READ MORE: David Umahi Launches 40-Man Coastal Highway Guards While Bandits Overrun Nigeria

The biggest shock of the round came from Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, who caused a massive upset by beating Ghana 2-1. The Scorchers came from behind with goals from Temwa Chawinga and Rose Kadzere to claim their spot at the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

The Wafcon semi-finals will take place on Wednesday, with Morocco facing Cameroon and Algeria taking on Malawi.

The four nations that lost in the quarter-finals, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and South Africa, still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup through the play-offs. On Thursday, Ivory Coast will play Ghana and Nigeria will face South Africa, with the two winners advancing to the 10-nation intercontinental play-offs in November and December, where three places at the World Cup will be up for grabs.

The 2027 Women’s World Cup will begin on 24 June and conclude on 25 July, with 32 nations competing in Brazil. A total of 18 qualifiers have now been confirmed, with the African quartet joining the likes of Australia, China, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, Argentina and the host nation Brazil.

About The Author

West Africa Weekly

author

See author's posts