Group B Decider Delivers Tactical Showdown

CASABLANCA - Nigeria maintained their defensive perfection at Wafcon 2024 with a third consecutive clean sheet in a tense 0-0 draw against Algeria, securing top spot in Group B. The Super Falcons' goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie cemented her status as tournament standout with crucial saves, including a fingertip stop on Sabrina Dekkar's 67th-minute volley.

Key Stats:

• Nigeria: 63% possession | 18 shots (4 on target)
• Algeria: 5 interceptions | 87% tackle success rate

North African Resilience Rewarded

Algeria's organized 5-4-1 formation frustrated Nigeria's attacking trio of Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala. Coach Karim Bencherifa's tactical blueprint saw his squad become:

• First Algerian team to reach Wafcon quarterfinals
• Only side besides Nigeria with 0 goals conceded

Coach's Corner: "This is Algerian football heritage - disciplined defending with strategic counters," Bencherifa told BeIN Sports post-match.

Southern African Drama Unfolds

In parallel action, Botswana staged a stunning comeback against Tunisia:

Botswana's last-gasp victory keeps their knockout hopes alive as they await third-place qualification results.

Quarterfinal Landscape

Confirmed Matchups:

• Nigeria vs Zambia (Friday, Marrakech)
• Algeria vs Group C runner-up (Saturday, Rabat)

Eyes on Oujda: Monday's Group C finale sees defending champions South Africa face Mali, while Ghana must beat Tanzania to progress.

Tactical Watch

Nigeria's midfield trio of Halimatu Ayinde (91% pass accuracy) and Christy Ucheibe dominated central zones but struggled to break Algeria's low block. The Falcons' wing play produced 22 crosses, yet only 5 found targets.

Player Spotlight: Algerian center-back Sarah Rezgui made 14 clearances and won 9 aerial duels, earning Player of the Match honors.

Historical Context

• Nigeria chasing 10th continental title
• Algeria's previous best: Group stage exits (2018, 2022)
• Botswana seeking first quarterfinal since 2016

The knockout phase begins Friday with all matches streaming live on CAF's digital platforms.