Equatorial Guinea and South Africa took giant leap towards a place at the next round of the qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with convincing wins away from home.
The Equatoguineans humbled their Zambian counterparts 2-0 in Lusaka whilst South Africa crushed Tanzania 4-1 in Dar es Salaam, both on Saturday in the first leg matches of the second round of the continental qualifiers.
The win puts Equatorial Guinea and South Africa within sight of the final round ahead of the return matches in a fortnight.
The Zambian She-polopolo, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the U-17 sisters, which have qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica next year, found the their opponents a mountain too tall to climb.
Forward Agile Ngo Nyepel scored twice, breaking the deadlock on 16 minutes before heading home the second seven minutes later to snatch victory for her side.
Despite the result, Zambia coach Charles Bwale remains upbeat about their chances.
“We are not out. There is still a second leg and we will not lose hope. We still have a chance to qualify,” he was quoted by Zambian newspaper, Daily Mail, after the match.
His counterpart from Equatorial Guinea, Juan Micha also said “We came here for a win and we played to win. Both teams played well. Zambia gave us a good game.”
Elsewhere in Dar es Salaam, Amogeland Motay shot the Basetsana into the lead on four minutes before Theresa Yona restored parity on 13 minutes.
The Tanzanites, which trashed Mozambique 15-1 at the previous round, went down 2-1 at half time after Shiwe Nogwanya scored on 17 minutes before a second half brace from Mosili Makhoali took the game beyond them.
The other fixture between Nigeria and Tunisia will take place on Saturday, December 14 in Abuja, whilst Ghana are in the final round following the withdrawal of Uganda.
Two teams will represent Africa at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled for 5-24 August in Canada.
Results
Tanzania 1-4 South Africa
Zambia 0-2 Equatorial Guinea
Nigeria – Tunisia (December 16)
Uganda – Ghana (Uganda withdraw)
Confederation of African Football News
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