WAFCON 24: Super Falcons edge South Africa to set final date with Morocco
Nigeria Super Falcons have qualified for the final of the 2024 Women's African Cup of Nations following their triumph over rivals, South Africa in the semi final, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
A 2-1 win was the result at the end of the final whistle for the 9-time champions against the reigning champions, Bayana Bayana at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco on Tuesday evening.
The Falcons had the momentum in the first half coming close to scoring through forward Chinwendu Ihezuo in the 8th minutes, but she saw her effort tipped over the sticks by the veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Esther Okoronkwo and Ihezuo were denied scoring chance in the 11th minute as the game worn on.
The deadlock was finally broken at the stroke of half time through captain Rasheedat Ajibade through the spot.
Folasade Ijamilusi's ball was hampered by the right hand of defender Mbane in the box 18 for a penalty for Nigeria.
The South Africans got back into the game with an equalizer in the 58th minutes after defender Osinachi Ohale pulled back forward Dhlamini in the box, gifting the Banyana Banyana a penalty.
Midfielder Linda Motlhalo stepped forward and struck the ball past Chiamaka Nnadozie as Nigeria conceded for the first time after 442 minutes in the tournament.
Just as both teams were settling for extra time, in added time of the second period, Alozie’s lofted ball from the Nigerian defence missed everyone, and Ihezuo and midfielder Deborah Abiodun wrong-footed Dlamini as the ball went untouched into the Banyana net.
The win ended South Africa’s 15-match WAFCON unbeaten and gave the Super Falcons their first win over the Banyana in the Africa Cup of Nations in the three tournaments.
The Super Falcons play host Morocco in the final for a chance to win their 10th title of the competition.
Uche Dozie
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