1-0 at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, Reviving the West Africans' Hopes of Reaching the 2027 Women's World'

Oshoala strike revives Nigeria's World Cup hopes Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal as Nigeria edged Zambia 1-0 at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, reviving the West Africans' hopes of reaching the 2027 Women's World Cup. The six-time African women's player of the year put Nigeria ahead in the eighth minute at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, the ball bobbling in off her right thigh after her initial attempt was saved by Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali. The 10-time Wafcon winners and defending champions, who began the day on the brink of an early exit after a 3-2 defeat to debutants Malawi on Tuesday, were forced to hold on after centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off five minutes before the break.

Demehin hauled down striker Barbra Banda, and referee Josphine Wanjiku upgraded an initial yellow card after a VAR review, deeming her the last defender even though replays showed team-mate Rofiat Imuran in a covering position. Zambia failed to make their numerical advantage pay, although Racheal Kundananji forced a save from Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with a long-range free-kick. This edition of the continental tournament in Morocco doubles as a qualifier for next year's World Cup, with all four semi-finalists booking their place in Brazil and the losing quarter-finalists entering inter-confederation play-offs.