Senegal became the first team to qualify for the Women’s African Cup of Nations after beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in a hard-fought Group A game staged at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Monday night.Senegal had beaten Uganda 2-0 in their first game while Burkina Faso’s first-ever African Cup of Nations game ended in a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Morocco and heading into the game both teams were keen on bagging maximum points from the duel.The match was largely cagey with most of the action taking part in the middle of the park. Senegal however had the best of chances Nguenar Ndiaye and Awa Diakhate having the best chances of the first half. Limata Nikiéma and Balkissa Sawadogo were Burkinabe’s best women upfront. The first half ended barren.With the game tight and no signs of goals, Senegal made changes throwing in Fall Korka and Diallo Malado for Diakhate and Ndiaye. The pair would combine to get the all-important goal for the Lionesses of Teranga.84’GOALKorka Fall gives Senegal the lead from the spot against Burkina Faso.Soft penalty for me#WAFCON2022— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) July 5, 2022 In the 80th minute, Malado raced into the area and just as she was about to fire home, she was fouled inside the area, a spot-kick was subsequently awarded. The referee was however summoned to the VAT booth to review the incident as the VAR refs did not seem convinced that the foul warranted a spot-kick. She however stuck to her guns and the spot-kick was taken by Forka who found eh back of the net for the all-important goal. Vihiga Queens out of CECAFA Champions League qualifiersSenegal are through to the quarter-finals while Burkina Faso are staring at dropping out in the group stage. Senegal end their group with a match against Morocco while Burkina Faso will take on Uganda.
