Gist
D’Tigress To Battle Mali For Final 2022 World Cup Qualification Ticket
D’Tigress will battle Mali for the last ticket to qualify for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
The Nigeria women’s team claimed a famous first ever win against France with a hard fought 67-65 comeback success.
Down by 20 points after the opening exchanges (11-31), D’Tigress gradually reeled France back in, helped by an amazing half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third period by Promise Amukamara.
D’Tigress then took the lead midway through the last quarter to set up a dramatic conclusion. And, in what proved to be a compelling roller-coaster finish, both nations could have taken victory, but it was D’Tigress who got it done.
They were mainly inspired by Victoria Macaulay, who showed out with 19 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, while France were punished by a massive 25 turnovers.
Despite the defeat France is now qualified because of their positive point average (+9) in case of a tie with Nigeria and Mali.
One last ticket for Sydney is now available between Nigeria and Mali.
With a win against Mali, Nigeria will qualify. They will also qualify if they lose by 6 or less point if France beats China on Sunday.
Mali will secure a qualification by winning by 7 or more points against Nigeria. If they win by less than 7 points, they will need France to beat China in order to qualify.
