THE ROAD TO COSTA RICA 2022 PROVES TO BE ANOTHER HURLE TO COMPLETE

The most anticipated fourth round clash between African giants Cameroon and Nigeria ended in a goalless draw  in one of the three African qualifiers for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Costa Rica 2022 played on Saturday, 22 January, 2022.

In Douala, the Baby Lionesses of Cameroon and the Falconets of Nigeria were looking to secure a first leg lead, having easing past withdrawing opponents Gabon and Congo respectively, except the latter to pull out after a 4-0 first leg defeat in the third round stage.

Nigeria came out of the blocks early with attacking trio of Flourish Sabastine, Mercy Idoko and Joy Jerry threatening the home side’s defense but their efforts were off target.

With the first half ended goalless, Cameroon started the second half looking more stronger of the two and doing more attacking but both teams could not profit from their half chances in the end.

After a drab first leg draw, they will now shift focus on earning the highly coveted lone ticket to the next phase when they meet in the reserve fixture in Lagos on 5 February, 2022.

In Rabat, Senegal gained a crucial away goal in the first leg encounter of the African qualifiers despite they were forced to a 1-1 by Morocco at the Stade Moulay Hassan.

The Senegalese and Moroccans came into the contest on a high after overcoming West Africans Guinea 3-3 on away goal and Gambia 9-1 on aggregate respectively in the previous stage.

On Saturday evening, Senegal made the most promising start to the tie as Hapsatou Dialou stunned the hosts, putting the visiting side ahead with her strike in the 20th minute.

Morocco, however, maintained their pouring attack in search for a comeback and were rewarded with an equaliser through Sofia Bouftini’s strike four minutes from the half time break.

Both resumed the second half in high spirit to claim the maximum points but all efforts to add to their tally came to nothing as they ended up sharing the spoils.

With a first leg stalemate, Senegal will look to profit from their away goal, while Morocco will seek to get a positive second leg result to advance at Stade Lat-Dior in Thies in two weeks time.