Wayne Lumbasi
Hosts Morocco and Zambia secured their first ever World Cup tickets after progressing to the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with victories over Botswana and Senegal respectively on Wednesday.
Morocco’s victory in Rabat gave them their first-ever semi-finals in WAFCON history after overcoming an exciting Botswana side 2-1. Playmaker Fatima Tagnaout was the toast of the fans as she set up both goals to ensure her side claimed the important win that put the side in the history books.
Shepolopolo of Zambia defeated the Teranga Lioness of Senegal in the first quarterfinal played on Wednesday. After 120 minutes of intense football rivalry, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Zambia won 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
The other two places will be decided on Thursday night when Nigeria, which has been to all eight previous Women’s World Cups, takes on Cameroon in Casablanca, followed by South Africa playing against Tunisia in Rabat.
Zambia will now play the winner of the match between South Africa and Tunisia while Morocco will play the winner of the match involving Nigeria and Cameroon.
