U20WWC Qualifiers: Tanzania force Falconets to draw in Dar es Salaam

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria women’s U-20 team played out a 1-1 draw with Tanzania in the first leg 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Second Round match at the Azam Complex, DSM, Tanzania, on Sunday.

Anderline Mgbechi started in goal for Nigeria alongside captain, Oluchi Ohaegbulem, Comfort Folorunsho, Shukurat Oladipo, Jumoke Alani, Taiwo Afolabi, Adoo Yina, Mary Chisom, Janet Akekoromowei, Shobowale Olushola, and newly invited Nigeria senior women’s national team forward, Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Tanzania coach, Bakari Shime gave starting shirts to Husna Mtunda, Noela Patrick, Lydia Maxmillian, Joyce Lema, Winifrida Hubert, Aisha Juma, Diana Mnally, Jamilu Rajabu, Neema Paul, Christer Bahera, and Koku Kipanga.

The cagey first half recorded no goals as both sides sized themselves up.

Substitute Chioma Olise put Nigeria in front three minutes before the hour mark.

The host responded 13 minutes later when Asnath Ubamba fired home from a free kick which Nigeria’s goalkeeper Anderlin Mgebchi had no answer.

The return leg of the encounter will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023, after Falconets return to Nigeria next Tuesday.

The West African side will hope to make it to another FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after their quarter-final ouster last year.