WAFCON22: Zambia edge dethroned champions Nigeria to clinch bronze

Zambia’s Copper Queens stunned dethroned champions Nigeria 0-1 as they claimed a bronze medal to finish off their 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nation’s (WAFCON) tournament on a high.

In the match staged at the Mohammed V Complex on Friday night, an unfortunate own goal by the Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on the hour mark was all that the Copper Queens need to land the deathly blow to the Super Falcons as they finished in third place for the first time in their history.

Both sides had come into the 3/4th playoff match looking for some consolation after failing to advance to the finals of the continental showpiece.

Record champions Nigeria, who were also seeking to defend the title as they sought a tenth crown, were ousted by hosts Morocco in the semifinals, while Zambia lost to COSAFA foes South Africa as both saw their hopes of winning the title ended, but left with the security of having earned a spot at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In the match, it is Zambia who managed to surge ahead in the 30th minute with Katongo’s strike ricocheting off goalkeeper Chiamaka Cynthia before going into the back of the net after hitting the upright.

Despite their efforts to look for an equalizer, nothing bore fruit as Zambia resolutely held onto the narrow first half lead to see out the match as they claimed their first ever medal in a WAFCON tournament as Nigeria finished outside the top three since the 2012 tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

On Saturday, Morocco and South Africa will fight for the 2022 title when they lock horns in the finale. Both sides will be aiming to lift the trophy for the first time.

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