Nigeria, Zambia women win playoffs to take final two Olympic spots

Zambia and Nigeria secured the final two spots in the women's football tournament at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, winning two-legged playoffs in the fourth round of African qualifying.

Zambia needed extra time to defeat Morocco in Rabat, where the Copper Queens turned a 2-1 first-leg deficit into a 3-2 aggregate victory with a 2-0 win at Moulay Hassan Stadium.

Barbra Banda, Zambia's captain and Orlando Pride striker, opened the scoring in the 38th minute and sealed her Olympic qualification with a penalty in the 105th minute.

Zambia will compete in a tough Group B in France, alongside former champions the United States and Germany, as well as World Cup semi-finalists Australia. On July 25, they kick off their campaign against the Americans in Nice.

Nigeria had an easier path to their fourth Olympics, drawing 0-0 with South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday to secure their spot after a 1-0 win in Abuja the week before.

The Super Falcons will compete in Group C of the Olympics against world champions Spain, former world champions Japan, and Brazil. On July 25, they will face the South Americans in Bordeaux for their tournament opener.

SportsLigue