Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Ethiopia while South Africa and DR Congo played out a stalemate in the first leg of the second round of the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifying ties on Wednesday.
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia grabbed a shock 6th minute lead through Birkie Amara before Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade levelled just after the break to earn the Super Falcons a draw.
Nigeria face the return leg at home on Tuesday knowing an away goal provides an advantage in their bid to reach the third qualifying round.
Meanwhile, DR Congo and South Africa could not be separated in an entertaining 1-1 draw in Kinshasa.
Grace Mfwamba’s delightful curling strike put DR Congo ahead on 40 minutes before South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana equalised shortly after half-time.
Reigning Women’s AFCON champions South Africa will host DR Congo in the second leg on Monday 31 October in Soweto.
With two tantalizingly poised ties, the road to qualifying for the 2024 Olympics continues to deliver drama as Africa’s hopefuls aim for Paris.
The two winners from these second round ties will move one step closer to representing the continent at the Games.
-Caf