The race to secure Africa’s four coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland intensified this weekend as the third round of qualifiers delivered drama, narrow escapes, and dominant performances across the continent.

Cameroon Advance Despite Narrow Defeat in Botswana
Botswana 🇧🇼 1-0 🇨🇲 Cameroon (1-5 Agg)

Despite falling 1-0 away to Botswana, Cameroon women’s national under-20 football team progressed comfortably with a commanding 5-1 aggregate score. Their dominant first-leg display proved decisive, ensuring safe passage to the final round.

Tanzania Triumph in Penalty Shootout Thriller

Tanzania 🇹🇿 0-0 🇰🇪 Kenya (1-1 Agg, 3-1 Pens)

After a tense goalless draw, Tanzania women’s national under-20 football team held their nerve to defeat Kenya 3-1 in a penalty shootout. The East African derby was finely balanced across two legs, but Tanzania’s composure from the spot sealed their historic qualification to the final round.

Ghana Edge South Africa in Tight Contest

South Africa 🇿🇦 0-1 🇬🇭 Ghana (2-3 Agg)

A crucial away win handed Ghana women’s national under-20 football team a 3-2 aggregate victory over South Africa. Ghana’s disciplined defensive performance ensured they protected their slim advantage and advanced.

Uganda Shock Zambia

Zambia 🇿🇲 0-1 🇺🇬 Uganda (1-2 Agg)

Uganda produced one of the standout results of the round, defeating Zambia away to clinch a 2-1 aggregate triumph. The victory underlined Uganda women’s national under-20 football team’s growing presence in youth women’s football.

DR Congo Win the Battle, Côte d’Ivoire Win the War

DR Congo 🇨🇩 1-0 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire (1-2 Agg)

Although DR Congo secured a narrow home victory, Côte d’Ivoire women’s national under-20 football team advanced 2-1 on aggregate after their strong first-leg showing.

Benin Deliver Statement Win Over Egypt

Benin 🇧🇯 4-0 🇪🇬 Egypt (5-0 Agg)

Benin were ruthless, sweeping aside Egypt with a dominant 4-0 performance to progress 5-0 on aggregate. The result marks a significant milestone for Beninese women’s football as they move within touching distance of the global stage.

Nigeria Hold Firm Against Senegal

Senegal 🇸🇳 1-2 🇳🇬 Nigeria (1-3 Agg)

Seven-time African youth powerhouse Nigeria women’s national under-20 football team demonstrated experience and quality, defeating Senegal away to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Malawi Cruise Past Guinea-Bissau

Malawi 🇲🇼 5-1 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau (6-2 Agg)

Malawi delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the round, storming to a 6-2 aggregate win after a 5-1 second-leg triumph.

Final Round Fixtures – May Showdowns

The decisive final round fixtures are set:
    •    🇳🇬 Nigeria vs 🇲🇼 Malawi
    •    🇨🇲 Cameroon vs 🇹🇿 Tanzania
    •    🇬🇭 Ghana vs 🇺🇬 Uganda
    •    🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire vs 🇧🇯 Benin

The four winners will secure Africa’s tickets to the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

With continental pride and World Cup dreams on the line, May’s clashes promise high-stakes drama as Africa’s next generation of stars battle for a place on the world stage.