The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the final of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The team defeated the Bayana Bayana of South Africa 2-1 in the semifinal on Tuesday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
Gloria Alozie’s last-minute shot-cross was enough to see a tired Falcons over the spirited South Africans after both sides had exchanged penalty kicks converted by Rasheedat Ajibade and Lucy Matlhalo, respectively.
South Africa, defending WAFCON champions, have been a formidable opposition for Nigeria, perennial WAFCON champions, and the victory served as revenge for a group stage loss in the previous edition of WAFCON.
The Falcons were on top throughout the first half and were only kept at bay by a combination of a save from Andile Dlamini, the South African goalkeeper, and a goal-line clearance by Bambanani Mbane.
But Nigeria took the lead late in the first half. Folashade Ijamilusi won a penalty for the Falcons, and Ajibade slotted home for 1-0 going into the interval.
The Banyana Banyana improved in the second period, stringing passes together, and were awarded a penalty when Osinachi Ohale pulled back for Linda Motlhalo to send Chiamaka Nnadozie the wrong way for 1-1 on 60 minutes.
South Africa were better then and had two chances to take the lead, but Ohale cleared off the line before they narrowly missed, with Jermaine Seoposenwe missing the target with another good opening.
It was Nigeria that snatched the winner in bizarre circumstances in added time. The goalkeeper misjudged Alozie’s deep cross under pressure from Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe, and the ball sailed into the net for 2-1 in the fourth minute of added time.
The Super Falcons held on to claim a precious win, which sees Justin Madugu’s side qualify for the final.
Nigeria are billed to meet either Ghana or Morocco in the final on Saturday.
The Super Falcons are on course to win Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
