November 12,(THEWILL) – The Falconets of Nigeria and Tanzania’s national Under-20 women’s football team played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday, in the first leg of their second round 2023 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In a highly contested match between the African rivals, neither side could find the breakthrough in a goalless first half. The deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute as substitute Chioma Olise put the visiting Nigerians ahead.
The Falconets’ lead lasted just 13 minutes, however, as Tanzania equalised through a superb Asnath Ubamba free kick in the 70th minute. Both teams pressed forward in search of a winner in the closing stages but a winner proved elusive.
The draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg scheduled for Sunday, November 19, in Nigeria. The Falconets will be hoping to claim victory on home soil to advance to the next stage of World Cup qualifying.
The 2023 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Colombia, with the number of participating teams increased from 16 to 24. This means the Falconets have an additional qualifying round to navigate if they are to secure a place at the global showpiece in September 2024.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
