Senegal claimed a valuable 1-0 away win over Tunisia in the first leg of the second round of the African qualifiers for the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on Thursday, 8 October.
The Lionesses of Teranga secured victory in Rades in one of the round’s most eagerly anticipated ties. After a goalless first half, Ndeye Awa Casset scored the only goal in the 63rd minute to give Senegal a narrow advantage ahead of the return match in Diamniadio on Tuesday, 13 October.
Tunisia must now overturn the deficit in Senegal to keep their Olympic hopes alive.
Mali endured a far more difficult evening, losing 3-1 away to Benin. The hosts took control before half-time as Romaine Gandonou scored twice, before Milhad Sadikou extended Benin’s lead two minutes after the restart in the 47th minute.
Mali responded seven minutes later to reduce the deficit, leaving the Aiglonnes with a slim hope ahead of the second leg in Bamako.
Burkina Faso also put themselves in a strong position by defeating Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in Ouagadougou. The result gave the Etalons dames an important advantage, although they will still need to protect it in the return fixture to reach the third round.
Ghana were similarly impressive on their trip to Mauritius, recording a 3-0 victory. Abigail Kim, Alice Kusi and Benedicta Simon all scored in the first half, putting the Black Queens in a favourable position before the return game on home soil.
Uganda produced one of the round’s notable results by beating Zambia 2-1 in Kampala. Zambia’s Copper Queens, who are regulars at major international competitions, will have to respond in the second leg at home to avoid an early exit.
Kenya recorded the biggest win of the day, sweeping aside the Seychelles 11-0. The result gives them an almost unassailable lead before the return meeting.
The second round is being played over two legs, with the decisive matches scheduled for 12 and 13 October. The winners will advance to the third round.
Morocco have already reached that stage without playing after receiving a bye. Across the five qualifying rounds, only two African teams will earn places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.