In a thrilling showdown on Sunday, Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, secured a jubilant 1-0 victory over Burundi in the first leg of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round fixture held in Dar es Salaam.
The match, filled with suspense and excitement, unfolded at a pulsating pace, leaving the nation’s football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
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The defining moment came in added time during the first half when Janet Akekoromowei confidently converted from the penalty spot, granting the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists a crucial lead.
The resilient Burundian side faced an uphill battle from that point onward as defender Ariella Umuarerwa received a red card, reducing their squad to 10 players.
With the Burundians playing a numerical disadvantage, the Falconets displayed strategic prowess to maintain their lead.
The stage is now set for the highly anticipated rematch at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Saturday 20th January 2024, where both teams will lock horns in the final leg of the qualification series.
The upcoming clash carries immense significance, as the aggregate winner will secure a coveted spot as one of Africa’s four representatives at the prestigious FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals scheduled to take place in Colombia later this year.
The Falconets, fueled by the taste of victory in the first leg, are poised to defend their lead on home turf, while Burundi aims for a comeback that could reshape the outcome.
Football enthusiasts and supporters alike are eagerly awaiting the decisive encounter, as the drama continues to unfold in the quest for qualification glory.
The journey to Colombia hangs in the balance, with both teams determined to etch their names in the annals of women’s youth football history.
