Falconets beat Tanzania to reach final round of WC qualifiers

Nigeria’s Falconets have advanced to the final round of the Colombia 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after beating Tanzania 3-2 on aggregate.

The Falconets had drawn Tanzania 1-1 in the first leg of the encounter at the Azam Complex Stadium, Dar es Salaam, last week.

The Christopher Danjuma-led girls switched their gear an inch higher in the second leg and defeated their opposition 2-1 at the Moshood Abiola stadium, Abuja, on Sunday.

Janet Aikekoromowei put the Falconets ahead in the 15th minute after a brilliant assist from Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Five minutes later, Jamila Mnunduka pulled the visitors level off a goalmouth scramble.

The winner came in the 60th minute after Comfort Folorunsho headed off Shobowale Olushola’s assist.

The superior display ensures that Nigeria faces Burundi in the final round of the qualifiers, which is scheduled for January 2024.

Four teams will represent Africa at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Colombia will host the tournament from August 31 to September 22.

Falconets qualified for the 2022 edition of the World Cup. The team were knocked out in the quarterfinal by The Netherlands.