Sabastine grabs hat-trick as Falconets beat Senegal in U-20 World Cup qualifier

Flourish Sabastine bagged a hat-trick on Saturday, as Nigeria’s Falconets beat Senegal 3-1 in Thies in the first leg qualifier of their Under-20 female World Cup in Costa Rica.

Sabastine opened scoring for the Nigerian side on eight minutes from a close range finish to put the Falconets in front.

The falconets mounted the pressure and almost got a second goal on 23 minutes.

On first half added time, Nigeria’s Ajibola hit the woodwork, almost doubling Nigeria’s lead.

On 49 minutes, Hapsatou Diallo twice attempted to level matters for Senegal but her first came off the crossbar and second was caught by goalkeeper Oyono.

Sabastine doubled Falconets lead on 56 minutes, tapping in a fine cross from Mercy Idoko.

Two minutes later, the Nigerian side were awarded a penalty.

Sabastine got her hat-trick, sending the goalkeeper to the wrong direction to as the Falconets extended their lead against the Senegalese.

Adji Ndiaye pulled one goal back for Senegal from the spot as goalkeeper Oyono and the Falconets conceded first goal in the ongoing African qualifiers.

The Falconets will now play Senegal in the return leg in Benin on March 26 and they will qualify for Costa Rica Under-20 World Cup if they win the match on aggregate.