Colombia reached the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup after Valerin Loboa scored in the 92nd minute to eliminate Nigeria’s Falconets 1-0 in a dramatic quarter-final on Sunday.
Loboa reacted quickest to a rebound after her first attempt was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, finally breaking the deadlock after a closely contested match.
Nigeria had enjoyed more possession in the opening stages and created several opportunities through Favour Nkwocha, Kafayat Mafisere, Janet Akekoromowei and Onyedikachi Ekezie.
However, Colombia remained disciplined at the back and goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo produced a series of important saves. She was also alert enough to tip over a powerful, left-footed effort from distance by Tumininu Adeshina.
The Falconets’ task became more difficult in the 76th minute when Mafisere was shown a straight red card, leaving Nigeria with 10 players.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Nigeria continued to push forward and threatened Colombia late in the game. They were handed one final opportunity when they won a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box, but Akekoromowei struck her effort over the crossbar with only seconds remaining.
The result means Colombia have won their past two knockout matches by a 1-0 scoreline with a late goal. They defeated hosts Poland by the same margin in the round of 16.
Colombia’s victory also takes them back to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Their previous appearance at that stage came in 2010, when they finished fourth after losing to Nigeria in the semi-finals.
For Nigeria, the defeat ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 12 years.
The Falconets had controlled much of the match but could not convert their chances, while Colombia’s defensive organisation kept them from finding a way through before Loboa’s decisive finish.
Uzoma’s save from Loboa’s first attempt appeared to have kept Nigeria in the contest, but the Colombia forward was first to the loose ball and made no mistake with the second opportunity.
Nigeria pressed for an equaliser after falling behind, but Colombia held firm to secure another narrow knockout victory and end the Falconets’ campaign.