Falconets grind, Lionesses roar as Africa’s U-20 Women's World Cup race heats up
Nigeria and Cameroon set the tone at opposite ends of the spectrum as Africa’s chase for places at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup gathered pace, one with steel and patience, the other with sheer firepower.
In Abeokuta, Nigeria’s Falconets did what champions-in-waiting do, win when the margins are thin. A composed 51st-minute strike from Kindness Ifeanyi proved decisive as Nigeria edged Senegal 1–0 in the first leg of their third-round qualifier.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was authoritative. The Falconets controlled the tempo, squeezed space, and walked away with the advantage that matters most, a clean sheet and a lead to defend.
If Nigeria’s message was about efficiency, Cameroon’s was thunderous.
The Junior Indomitable Lionesses tore Botswana apart with a ruthless 5–0 demolition, announcing themselves as one of the most dangerous sides left in the race.
From the opening whistle, Cameroon overwhelmed their opponents with pace, power, and precision, turning the first leg into a statement night. With one foot already in the next round, Cameroon didn’t just win they intimidated.
Elsewhere, the qualifiers delivered drama and tight scorelines. Kenya grabbed a late 1–0 win over Tanzania through Elizabeth Mideva, while Malawi held Guinea-Bissau 1–1 away.
Benin’s U-20 Amazons produced a disciplined 1–0 away victory in Egypt, and Zambia fought back to secure a valuable 1–1 draw in Uganda, setting up a tense return leg in Ndola.
But as the dust settles, the spotlight shines brightest on Nigeria’s composure and Cameroon’s carnage. One carved out a professional road win; the other lit up the night with goals. Different paths, same destination in sight.
With return legs looming and pressure rising, Africa’s heavyweights are making their moves. And if these first legs are any indication, the road to Poland will be anything but quiet.
Here are the other fixtures for Sunday.
Ghana vs South Africa
Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo
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