Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been knocked off the summit of Group B at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations — at least temporarily — after Tunisia held Algeria to a tense goalless draw on Thursday afternoon, Soccernet.ng reports.
In the opening fixture of matchday two, Algeria had the chance to tighten their grip on the group following their narrow 1-0 win over Botswana in the first round.
But they found no way past a resolute Tunisian defence at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, with both North African sides sharing the spoils in a game light on clear chances but full of tactical discipline.
Tunisia, who were humbled 3-0 by Nigeria in their opening match, showed significant improvement to earn their first point of the tournament. The result means Algeria now sit provisionally top of Group B with four points from two matches, while Tunisia have one point from the same number of outings.
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Nigeria, the former African champions and record nine-time WAFCON winners, will have the opportunity to reclaim top spot when they take on Botswana later today. A draw or victory for the Super Falcons will be enough to restore them to the summit.
The fixture comes with recent history: Nigeria defeated Botswana 2-0 in the group stages of the 2022 WAFCON tournament, with Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe both getting on the scoresheet. That clash was Botswana’s first-ever meeting with Nigeria at the WAFCON, and this edition marks just their second appearance at the continental showpiece.
The Super Falcons are chasing a record-extending tenth WAFCON title and will be keen to flex their muscles against the tournament underdogs to reassert dominance in Group B.