The day featured a late Mexican goal against Nigeria, a penalty shootout victory for China PR over France, Japan’s comeback against Kenya and a major upset as the United States eliminated two-time champions Spain.
Nigeria defeat Mexico to reach quarter-finals
Nigeria’s Flamingos continued their impressive campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mexico at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
Oluebube Umejiaku opened the scoring in the 40th minute, firing into the top corner after collecting a forward pass from Esther Stephen.
Mary Dunstan doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 71st minute, smashing home after Mexico failed to clear a cross delivered by Kanyinsola Yusuf.
Mexico pulled one back through Emily Delgado in the 90th minute plus 10, but Nigeria held on to secure their place in the last eight.
Umejiaku was named Player of the Match, while goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho also produced important saves to preserve Nigeria’s advantage.
The Flamingos will face Venezuela in the quarter-finals on 1 November.
China PR eliminate France on penalties
China PR booked their quarter-final place after overcoming France in a tense penalty shootout.
The teams played out a goalless draw in regulation time, with neither side able to find a breakthrough despite France creating several opportunities.
China goalkeeper Niu Ziqi emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in the shootout to help her team secure victory.
The result sends China PR into the quarter-finals, where they will face Brazil.
Niu was named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution.
Japan come from behind to defeat Kenya
Japan maintained their record of reaching at least the quarter-finals at every edition of the competition after defeating Kenya 3-1.
The Junior Starlets made a positive start and took the lead, raising hopes of another historic result for the East African side.
However, Japan responded strongly, scoring three times to complete the comeback and end Kenya’s impressive tournament run.
The result sends Japan into the quarter-finals, where they will meet Ghana.
USA stun Spain in major upset
The United States produced one of the day's biggest results by defeating Spain 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals.
Deus Stanislaus opened the scoring in the 43rd minute before Maddie DiMaria doubled the American advantage in the 45th minute plus three.
Spain responded through captain Vera Molina in the 71st minute, setting up a tense closing period.
Despite Spain dominating possession and registering 20 shots compared with the USA's four, the Americans defended resolutely to protect their lead.
Loradana Paletta was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in midfield.
The United States will face defending champions DPR Korea in the quarter-finals.
Quarter-final picture takes shape
Thursday's results completed another important stage of the knockout competition, with four more teams advancing to the last eight.
The confirmed quarter-final fixtures involving Thursday's winners are:
• Nigeria vs Venezuela
• Brazil vs China PR
• Ghana vs Japan
• DPR Korea vs USA
The quarter-finals are scheduled for 1 November as the remaining teams continue their pursuit of the world title.
Other African results
Ghana had already secured their quarter-final place on Wednesday, 28 October, after defeating Argentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Jessica Appiah scored Ghana's goal in regulation time and converted the decisive penalty.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco were eliminated after suffering a 6-0 defeat to defending champions DPR Korea. Brazil also advanced on Wednesday, overcoming Poland 8-7 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
With Nigeria and Ghana still in contention, African hopes remain alive as the tournament moves towards its decisive stages.