A stoppage time goal by Valerin Loboa saw Colombia edged out Nigeria’s Falconets, in the quarterfinals of the FIFA women’s U-20 World Cup on Sunday. The Falconets controlled more of the ball early and generated several chances, including efforts from Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Janet Akekoromowei, and Onyedikachi Ekezie. Colombia stayed organized defensively, with goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo making key saves—including tipping over a powerful long-range left-footed shot from Tumininu Adeshina.
In the 76th minute the Falconets were reduced to 10 players when Kafayat Mafisere received a straight red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Falconets continued to press and created late opportunities, but could not break through. Then in the 92nd minute Loboa put Colombia 1-0 ahead, capitalising on a rebound after her initial effort came off Falconets keeper Christiana Uzoma.
With just seconds left the Falconets were awarded a free kick close to the 18 yard box of Colombia but Akekoromowei’s effort went over the bar. This was Colombia’s second consecutive late 1-0 knockout win (they had eliminated hosts Poland the same way in the round of 16).
Also, it marked their return to the U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-finals after 16 years (they finished fourth in 2010 after losing to Nigeria in the semis that year). The warning signs were there in the second half, early in the second half, that Columbia were aiming for a smash-and-grab slim win but Nigeria failed to heed the warning.
Firstly, a Columbian striker left our entire backline behind to find herself 1 v 1 with our goalkeeper before said goalkeeper recovered well. Secondly, straight through the middle, our defence was breached again, only for a last ditch goalkeeper intervention, both early in the second half.