Wednesday July 13 || Quarter-Finals Results
✓ Zambia (4) 1-1 (2) Senegal
✓ Morocco 2-1 Botswana
Zambia’s goalkeeper Hazel Nali was heroine to guide her country for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Nali saved Senegal’s penalty before she kicked the winning spot-kick as Zambia edged Senegal in the 4-2 post-match penalties in the WAFCON quarterfinal in Casablanca.
Korka Fall put Senegal’s first penalty far and away from the frame before Zambia scored their first three spot kicks.
Later on, Zambia’s fourth by Lushomo Mwemba was saved bringing back Zambia into the fray but Nali saved Awa Dhiakhate’s weak effort before she converted Zambia’s last.
In the opening minutes of the game, Senegal pilled immense pressure on Zambia looking for an early opener but the waiting had to be extended.
Both sides put up a sprinted show in normal time that ended in a one-all draw before the referee sent them extra time to untie the knot.
Mama Diop won the ball steps away from the goal but Zambia’s Martha Tembo was quick to clear away the ball from danger.
With minutes to end the first stanza, Hapsatou Diallo won possession before making a counter-attack but Zambia’s custodian Hazel Natasha Nali through her body on the line to make a spectacular save.
The moment of glory came at the top of the hour when Ndiaye powerfully nodded home Sow Mbayang’s well-curled freekick.
Ten minutes later, Senegalese custodian Sene Tenning made a blunder by failing to collect a chilly freekick, and Ayell Chitundu was in the right position to level matters.
Grace Chanda released Siomala Mapepa on the left flank but the forward was denied by Tenning to keep her side live into the game.
Senegal suffered an own goal from Lushomo Mweemba but it was unceremoniously cancelled due to Chanda interfering with play.
After 90 minutes, both sides were called to play an extra 30 minutes to see who takes the first semifinal spot.
As extra time was looming, Zambia nearly took the lead but the effort rattled off the box after Tenning palmed away Lubanji Ochumba’s powerful hit.
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