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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport
Paul Myers

Nigeria and Morocco book semi final berths at women's Africa Cup of Nations

Ibtissam Jraidi (number 9) scored twice in Morocco's 3-1 victory over Mali in the quarter-finals of the women's Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco, who are hosting the biennial tournament, will play Algeria or Ghana for a place in the final. © Courtesy of CAF

Nigeria and hosts Morocco moved into the semi-finals at the women's Africa Cup of Nations following victories on Friday night over Zambia and Mali respectively.

Nigeria, who are seeking a 10th title since the competition moved into its present format in 1998, walloped Zambia 5-0.

Osinachi Ohale opened the scoring two minutes into the game at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The 33-year-old defender rose over the Zambian defenders to head home Esther Okoronkwo’s free-kick.

Half an hour later, the provider finished off a flowing move with a composed strike.

Nigeria added a third just before the pause. Chinwendu Ihezuo pounced on a loose ball in the box to slot home.

Oluwatosin Demehin made it 4-0 mid way through the second-half and in stoppage-time, substitute Folashade Ijamilusi stabbed in the fifth.

Moroccans return to semi-finals

Morocco saw off Mali 3-1 in Rabat to reach the semis for the second consecutive tournament.

Ibtissam Jraidi struck Morocco's first after seven minutes of play at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.

But the raucous partisans had to wait until late in the second-half before the game was secured. Jraidi scored her second goal of the night from the penalty spot after 79 minutes and 10 minutes later Kenza Chapelle added Morocco's third.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Aissata Traoré converted a penalty to offer some consolation to the Malians who were appearing in the knockout stages for the first time since their run to the semis in 2018.

On Tuesday, Nigeria will play the winners of the game on Saturday night between the defending champions South Africa and Senegal.

Morocco will face either Algeria or Ghana who play on Saturday afternoon in Berkane.

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