By Amaechi Agbo
Cameroon delivered the standout performance of the first-leg fixtures in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers, sweeping aside Botswana 5–0 to move firmly into control of their tie.
Nigeria and Kenya also claimed slim advantages with identical 1–0 victories over Senegal and Tanzania respectively, while draws between Uganda and Zambia, and Guinea-Bissau and Malawi, leave those ties finely balanced ahead of the return legs.
The second legs of the qualifiers are scheduled to begin from 13 February, with places at the World Cup finals still very much up for grabs.
Kenya edged closer to qualification with a late victory over Tanzania in a tight and cautious first-leg encounter.
Both sides prioritised defensive discipline, limiting clear chances for much of the contest. Tanzania remained compact and looked to counter, while Kenya patiently probed for openings.
With the match drifting towards a stalemate, Elizabeth Mideva produced the decisive moment in the 84th minute, calmly finishing after a slick passing move on the edge of the area.
The narrow win gives Kenya a slender advantage, but the tie remains open heading into the return leg in Tanzania.
Uganda and Zambia shared the spoils after an entertaining and evenly matched contest.
Backed by home support, Uganda struck first through Agnes Nabukenya, who finished confidently in the 22nd minute following a well-worked move.
Zambia responded strongly after the break and were rewarded just before the hour when Edith Phiri headed home from close range to level the score.
Uganda came close to restoring their lead late on, but Nabukenya’s powerful free-kick struck the crossbar. The return leg in Zambia on 14 February will decide the outcome.
Nigeria 1–0 Senegal
Nigeria secured a valuable first-leg advantage over Senegal in a fiercely contested tactical battle.The hosts started brightly and had an early goal ruled out, but Senegal remained resilient and organised until half-time.
The breakthrough arrived in the 50th minute when Kindness Chinaza Ifeanyi powered home a header from a corner kick.
Nigeria continued to threaten from set pieces but were unable to extend their lead, leaving Senegal still firmly in contention ahead of the second leg.
Guinea-Bissau 1–1 Malawi
All remains to play for after Guinea-Bissau and Malawi shared a draw in a competitive encounter. The hosts struck first early in the second half when Quita Da Silva curled a superb free-kick into the net.
Malawi responded with determination, and Sarah Mlimbika equalised in the 75th minute after a strong individual run and composed finish.
Neither side could find a winner, setting up a decisive return leg on 14 February.
Cameroon 5–0 Botswana
Cameroon took a commanding step towards qualification with a dominant display against Botswana.
Effa Essomba opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Beverly Nimpa doubled the lead in the first half.
Cameroon maintained their authority after the break, adding three further goals through Rachou Assako, Aurore Tsimi and Andree Ngo Bilong.
The emphatic victory leaves Cameroon firmly in control ahead of the return leg on 13 February.
