Burundi Hurdle for Super Falcons’ Title And World Cup Dream

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Falcons dream of retaining the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and qualifying for the World Cup will be settled this evening when the nine-time continental champions take on Burundi in Group C last game.

After the win against Botswana that returned Falcons to reckoning, only a win tonight can guarantee Falcons’ dream of reaching the quarter finals.

Unlike Falcons, Burundi with two defeats are no hoppers. They can only play the spoilers  role should Botswana with one win defeat South Africa in the group’s other game.

After Falcons lost their opening match 2-1 to arch-rivals South Africaon Monday, the reigning champions regained some credibility with a 2-0 win over Botswanaon Thursday.

Another triumph over Burundi tonight  will give the Falcons six points and see them finish behind high-flying South Africa. The Group C runners-up are scheduled to face Group B runners-up.

Burundi  fell 4-2 to Botswana on matchday one and, despite showing good fighting spirit against South Africa, they still suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Aside from needing a massive win over Nigeria, the East Africans will hope Banyana Banyana beat Botswana silly to hand them a third-best loser spot.

Sunday’s encounter is the first-ever face-off between these two national teams.

But Nigeria’s pedigree as the most successful female team on the continent with a record nine WAFCON titles makes them the clear favourites against a side making a maiden appearance at the championship.