Zambia’s women’s football team qualified for the first World Cup in its history on July 13, 2022 in Casablanca. By leaving Senegal (4 shots on goal to 2, 1-1 after extra time) in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2022), the Zambians have secured a place in the semi-finals of CAN 2022 but also at the 2023 World Cup. The Senegalese can still dream of this competition but they will first have to win a classification match, on July 17.
From our special correspondent in Casablanca,
Senegal’s Women’s World Cup dream may have ended on July 13, 2022 in Casablanca. Everything will depend on the ability of the Senegalese to react on July 17, during a classification match which will allow them to play an international repechage tournament in February 2023 in New Zealand. But in the meantime, it was the Zambians who realized their dream of the World Cup, after a quarter-final as committed as it was rough.
Barren domination of Senegal
At the start of the first period, Senegal imposed a sterile domination. It was in fact Zambian midfielder Avell Chitundu, shifted to the right, who got the first real big chance of the game with a cross shot repelled by opposing goalkeeper Tenning Sene (23rd). It was thus necessary to wait until the 38th minute for striker Mama Diop to frame a first shot (without danger) from Senegal.
But it is especially before the break that the Lionesses have the opportunity to open the scoring (44th). Thanks to a favorable block, number 10 Ndeye Awa Diakhaté sinks into the Zambian area but is slow to shift winger Hapsatou Malado Diallo to the left, who then impales goalkeeper Hazel Nali.
Tenning Sene’s Incredible Mistake
In the second half, a set piece unblocks the situation. On a free kick dropped by Mbayang Sow at the far post, striker Nguenar Ndiaye springs up and catapults the ball into the back of the net: 0-1, 61st. The hundreds of supporters of Senegal, massed in the stands of the Complexe Mohammed V, exult.
In the 70th minute, however, the supporters were brutally disillusioned. On a long free kick, Tenning Sene releases the ball. Chitundu, who followed, just had to equalize at close range: 1-1. Paralyzed by her huge mistake, Sene then hesitates when Grace Chanda intercepts a pass that is too soft and striker Siamola Mapepe comes up to her. But Mapepe does not press enough his shot which is deflected by the goalkeeper of Senegal (75th). In the 81st minute, it was a very limited offside from Chanda that saved the West Africans, defender Meta Camara having involuntarily lobbed Tenning Sene with a header and scored against his side.
A breathless end to extra time
In overtime, Korka Fall finds Nali’s gloves (115e), just like Mama Diop (116e). Tenning Sene, she slams the ball for a corner on a curled shot from Ochumba Lubandji (117e). Senegal is then saved by its crossbar, on a header from Lushomo Mweemba (119e).
Despite all these clear chances, the match is settled on penalties. During the session, Lushomo Mweemba certainly misses his attempt but Korka Fall and Meta Camara miss theirs. Zambia will play the winners of South Africa-Tunisia on July 18 for a place in the final of the AFCON 2022.
CAN 2022 women: calendar, rankings and results