Nigeria’s Super Falcons have advanced to the finals of the ongoing 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday.
A late goal from defender Michelle Alozie, struck from long range, propelled the nine-time African champions into the final and kept their hopes alive for a tenth continental title.
Nigeria drew first blood from the penalty spot, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converting in the first half, before Linda Motlhalo equalised for South Africa from the spot in the second half.
The match kicked off with high intensity, as Nigeria fired the first warning shot within the opening five minutes, prompting Andile Dlamini to make an early save.
Banyana Banyana regained possession and won a set-piece after Jermaine Seoposenwe was fouled.
Karabo Dhlamini delivered the ball to Seoposenwe, whose header was comfortably saved by the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The Super Falcons continued their assault on the Banyana goal through Ihezuo Chinwendu, but Dlamini was again up to the task, thwarting their efforts.
The South Africans could have broken the deadlock in the 18th minute when Refiloe Jane connected with Seoposenwe, but the latter’s final touch was not troubling for the Nigerian keeper.
Lebohang Ramalepe attempted a long-range shot, seeing Chiamaka Nnadozie off her line, but missed the target as the ball sailed over the net.
Magaia, who came on as a substitute for the injured Tiisetso Makhubela, had a chance four minutes later, but her effort went wide.
Nigeria had the final say of the half, winning a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in her box. Ajibade converted the change, giving her side a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Banyana faced early pressure in the second half from Ajibade, and although Dlamini spilled a catch, Fikile Magama managed to clear the ball off the goal line.
In the 50th minute, Linda Motlhalo attempted a long-range effort, but it failed to trouble Nnadozie.
Nine minutes later, Banyana won a penalty after Magaia was brought down in the box. Motlhalo stepped up and equalised for the defending champions.
Seoposenwe connected with Noxolo Cesane in the 73rd minute, but the latter’s effort was blocked. Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious injury and was stretchered off the pitch in the dying moments of the match.
Nigeria stole the headlines in injury time through Alozie to advance to the final of the tournament.
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