Wafcon 2022: Senegal and Cameroon keep Women's World Cup hopes alive
- Published
Senegal beat Tunisia on penalties, having exited the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a shootout defeat against Zambia
Senegal and Cameroon advanced to the intercontinental play-offs for the 2023 Women's World Cup after repechage wins over Tunisia and Botswana respectively at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Teranga Lionesses, beaten by Zambia on penalties in the quarter-finals, secured their spot in New Zealand following a 4-2 shootout win over Tunisia on Sunday after the game in Casablanca ended goalless in normal time.
Senegal had the better of the early chances with Nguenar Ndiaye and Mama Diop both coming close, while Ella Kaabachi almost broke the deadlock for Tunisia but was denied by goalkeeper Ndeye Meissa Diaw.
Tunisia substitute goalkeeper Nesrine Zizi stopped Hapsatou Malado Diallo's penalty, but the West Africans triumphed with four successful penalties, while the North Africans missed one and had one smartly saved by Diaw.
Ndiaye, player of the match and Senegal's revelation, was delighted with a World Cup lifeline.
"We want to go. We are hungry. For most of us, if not all of us, this is the first time we've tasted a big competition," she said.
"We're going to rest well and then get back on track."
In Sunday's other game, Cameroon bounced back from defeat by rivals Nigeria to their play-off spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Botswana in Rabat.
Cameroon celebrate after scoring against Botswana at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations
The dominant 10-woman Indomitable Lionesses needed a first-half stoppage time goal to defeat the stubborn debutants.
Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja was in fine form and produced three brilliant saves to deny Cameroon captain Ajara Nchout Njoya.
But on the stroke of half-time, the Inter Milan forward picked up the ball 25 metres out and turned before unleashing a ferocious strike into the bottom right-hand corner to beat Boseja.
The Lionesses were reduced to 10 players after substitute Fatima Kome was sent-off for a dangerous tackle on Refilwe Tholakele.
Thokalele had a late chance but goalkeeper Ange Bawou was alert to prevent the Mares from restoring parity.
Cameroon held on to pick up Africa's second ticket to contest a ten-team intercontinental play-off in New Zealand next February.
Nchout, who was voted woman-of-the-match, is excited with the latest opportunity, where the final three qualifiers for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be decided.
"We did not achieve our main objective which was to win the title, but this is football," she said.
"We were disappointed not to pick an automatic ticket but we now have a chance to play in the play-offs. We must prepare by working on some of the mistakes here and go there to try and qualify for the World Cup."
Haiti, Panama, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) and Thailand have also qualified for next year's play-offs in New Zealand.