GOAL GALORE AS NIGERIA, SENEGAL AND ALGERIA KICK OFF WAFCON WITH BIG WINS

By: Gyang Dakwo

Match day two of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco was filled with excitement and goals, as Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria all began their campaigns with important victories. A total of eight goals were scored across the three fixtures played on Sunday.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons were the first to impress, easing past Tunisia with a 3-0 win at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The nine-time champions wasted no time, as Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in just the fourth minute with a smart header from a free kick.

Rinsola Babajide made it 2-0 just before half-time, slotting the ball low into the net after a scramble in the box. Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the win in the 84th minute, finishing calmly to give Nigeria a strong start to the tournament.

Senegal followed up with an even more emphatic display, beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 4-0 at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammédia. The Lionesses of Teranga scored all their goals in the first half.

Captain Mama Diop opened the scoring with a brilliant chip in the fifth minute. Nguenar Ndiaye added the second in the 13th minute, rounding the goalkeeper to tap into an empty net. Diop grabbed her second in the 21st minute after following up on a blocked shot, and Ndiaye also completed her brace in the 40th minute with a powerful header from close range.

The second half saw no more goals, but Senegal’s dominance had already been made clear.

In the day’s final match, Algeria claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Botswana at the Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca. Ghoutia Karchouni, who plays for Inter Milan, scored the only goal in the 10th minute. That early strike proved enough to give Algeria all three points despite late pressure from Botswana.

It was a thrilling day of action, with sharp attacking play and early signs of intent from three of the continent’s top teams.