In the third of Sunday’s games in the competition in Morocco, Tunisia scored the fastest goal in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, history after only 20 seconds of play, and the team went on to defeat 10-man Togo 4-1.
The north Africans, who are making their comeback to the WAFCON for the first time since 2008, got off to the best possible start as Mariem Houij chipped the goalie before Togo ever touched the ball.
Following the earlier goalless draw in Casablanca between Cameroon and Zambia, the outcome places Tunisia at the top of their WAFCON Group B.
Togo’s rookies had a terrible start to their debut, and despite their valiant effort, they were plagued by goalkeeping gaffes the entire time.
For Tunisia, Sabrine Ellouzi scored twice, while Odette Gnintegma scored Togo’s goal from the penalty spot.
Togo’s defense was caught off guard by a long ball played by Tunisia early on, allowing Houij to rush on goal and chip the helpless Togo goalkeeper Ame Lila Amouklou. Tunisia could not have wished for a better start.
After 12 minutes, Tunisia had a 2-0 lead after a free kick into the area hit Anoukpou in the knee and bounced into the air, where Ellouzi leapt high to head the ball home.
But in the 22nd minute, Mamay’s clumsy challenge on Tayla Gace gave Togo a penalty, even though it took a referral to VAR before Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa called it.
The Togo team gained confidence all of a sudden, and they may have tied the game at halftime had Afi Woedkikou not squandered a clear-cut opportunity.
When Ella Djonkale was sent early in the second half for tackling an opponent who had a clear shot at goal, Togo was reduced to 10 players. Once more, the choice was determined only after a VAR check.
When Mamay’s freekick hit an unmarked Ellouzi for a second headed goal, Tunisia moved up 3-1 with the Togo defense watching and goalkeeper Amouklou firmly planted on her line.
More careless goalkeeping occurred in the 71st minute when Houij, who had a free shot, toe poked a shot that Amouklou let fly. Amouklou scurried back to retrieve the ball before it crossed the goal line, but she was only able to assist the goal as her momentum carried her over the line.
On Wednesday against Zambia and on Saturday against Cameroon, Tunisia will face significantly stiffer opponents. Togo take on Cameroon also in Casablanca on Wednesday.