Nigeria’s Super Falcons were forced to a 2-2 draw by Cameroon in the second round of Group B matches at the ongoing African Women’s Championships. Perpetua Kwocha scored the defending African champions opening goal in the ninth minute.
Cynthia Uwak restored Nigeria’s lead nine minutes later but it did not take long for the Indomitable Lionesses to respond.
Francoise Bella, who plays her club football for Nigeria’s Pelican Stars, brought it to 2-2 after 73 minutes.
Nigeria only require a draw against bottom-placed Mali to qualify for the semi-finals, while Cameroon will have to beat Algeria.
The North Africans moved into second place in Group B, with a surprise 3-0 win over Mali earlier in the day.
Naima Laoudi scored two goals for the Algerians, who overwhelmed a physically stronger Mali side with superior technique.
Algeria are newcomers to the tournament and had been given a rude introduction to the continental championship when Nigeria beat them 4-0.
The championship resumes again on Friday, a public holiday in South Africa, with the final matches in Group A.
Championship tables and results
– Group B
Countries | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
Nigeria | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
Algeria | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Cameroon | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
Mali | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
Fixtures:
19/09/04
-Nigeria 4-0 Algeria
–Cameroon 2-2 Mali
22/09/04
-Algeria 3-0 Mali
–Cameroon 2-2 Nigeria
25/09/04
-Algeria v Cameroon
-Nigeria v Mali