RABAT - Embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino watched outsiders Malawi lose 2-1 to Zambia in Rabat on Wednesday, but still secure a Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals place.
They were joined in the knockout stage from Group C by record 10-time champions Nigeria, who hammered Egypt 6-2 in a match played simultaneously.
The results left Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia level on six points with head-to-head records deciding the final placings.
Malawi, the lowest-ranked of the 16 qualifiers for the tournament, finished first and will face Ghana or Mali for a place in the semi-finals, and a ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Second-placed Nigeria meet Cameroon in the other quarter-final on Sunday. Hosts Morocco play South Africa and Ivory Coast face Algeria on Saturday.
Infantino, under fire for a now-shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment, earlier held emergency talks in Morocco with directors of the world football governing body.
FIFA then issued an apology while reaffirming its "full support" for Infantino. In a statement, the leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".
He watched the group match with FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and Confederation of African Football (CAF) first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa, a Moroccan.
Lekjaa has backed Infantino, saying ditching the plan "was wise as it prioritises the unity and cohesion of all the member associations of FIFA for all the initiatives of developing football".
Leading 2026 WAFCON scorer Barbra Banda netted after just two minutes for Zambia and Prisca Chilufya added a second goal before half-time.
But the goal Tabitha Chawinga scored for Malawi in the 72nd minute proved crucial as it took the landlocked southern Africa nation to the top of the table despite trailing.
Half the six Nigerian goals came from penalties, converted by record six-time Women's African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe and Rasheedat Ajibade.
Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and Joy Omewa also scored for the Super Falcons, who led 2-1 at half-time. Nadin Ghazy bagged a brace for Egypt, one from a penalty.
- AFP