BEVERLY HILLS, August 14 (THEWILL) – Nigeria booked their place in the knockout round of the U20 Women’s World Cup with a 1-1 draw against China with the West Africans claiming a spot in the quarter-finals from Group D at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018.
Needing a victory to leapfrog the Nigerians to the runners-up spot in the group, China was the more dangerous side in the first half at the Stade du Clos Gastel.
Mengyu Shen had the first chance of the match on 25 minutes when she hit the Nigeria crossbar. A few minutes later, Captain Linlin Wang headed over the target from close range.
China deservedly scored the opener after Linyan dribbled past Mary Ologbosere and Opeyemi Sunday before beating goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 42nd minute.
After the break, Igboamalu Grace was frustrated by Xu Huan who made a good save from her header before substitute, Anam Imo, missed a scoring opportunity from close range.
With seconds left to play, substitute Aishat Bello’s byline cross from the right saw captain Rasheedat Ajibade challenge for the ball with China right-back Jiaxing Dou.
Bello’s cross struck the Chinese defender before nestling in the back of the net and sparking emotional celebrations from the West Africans at the full-time whistle.
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