Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semifinal clash on Tuesday.
The intense match was played at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, where Gloria Alozie’s last gasp shot cross sealed the win for Nigeria in added time. The result came after both teams had earlier exchanged penalty goals, Rasheedat Ajibade scored for Nigeria, while Linda Motlhalo responded for South Africa.
South Africa, the reigning WAFCON champions, have always posed a tough challenge for Nigeria, who are long time champions of the competition. This win served as sweet revenge for the Falcons, who lost to Banyana Banyana during the group stage of the last tournament.
Nigeria dominated the first half with sustained pressure. The Falcons came close several times but were denied by a smart save from South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and a goal line clearance by Bambanani Mbane.
Their persistence paid off before halftime when Folashade Ijamilusi won a penalty. Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted the spot kick to give Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.
South Africa came out stronger in the second half, trying to put in pressure by moving the ball better and showing more attacking skills. Their efforts were rewarded in the 60th minute when Osinachi Ohale pulled back a South African player inside the box. Motlhalo stepped up and sent Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
The momentum stayed with South Africa after the equalizer. They created two clear chances to take the lead, one was cleared off the line by Ohale, and the other was wasted when Jermaine Seoposenwe fired wide from a promising position.
But just when the match seemed headed for extra time, Nigeria struck. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Alozie sent in a deep cross that caught the South African goalkeeper off guard under pressure from Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe. The ball flew straight into the net, sending the Nigerian bench into wild, enormous celebration.
The Super Falcons held firm in the dying moments to secure their win, taking their place in the final under the leadership of coach Justin Madugu.
Nigeria will now face the winner between Ghana and hosts Morocco in the final, scheduled for Saturday.
