Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured their place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a thrilling 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a tense semi-final encounter on Tuesday.
The match was played at a high tempo, with both teams showing determination from the outset. Nigeria broke the deadlock just before halftime when Rasheedat Ajibade confidently converted a penalty in the 45th minute, giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
South Africa were dealt an early blow in the 26th minute when forward Hildah Magaia was forced off due to injury. Thubelihle Makhubela was brought on as her replacement.
Banyana Banyana came out strong in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts when Linda Motlhalo equalised from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, making it 1-1 and setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Just when the game looked destined for extra time, Michelle Alozie delivered a moment of magic. In the 94th minute, she latched onto a well-timed assist from Esther Okoronkwo and calmly slotted home the winner, sparking wild celebrations among the Nigerian contingent.
Both sides made several substitutions that increased the intensity and physicality of the contest, but it was Nigeria’s composure and resilience in the dying moments that proved decisive.
With the victory, the Super Falcons continue their dominant run in African women’s football and move one step closer to reclaiming the continental crown.
Their opponents in the final will be tournament hosts Morocco, who overcame Ghana in a dramatic penalty shootout. After a 1-1 draw in regular time at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties. Sakina Ouzraoui Diki cancelled out Stella Nyamekye’s first-half strike during regulation time, and Ghana faltered in the shootout with misses from Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah.
Nigeria and Morocco will now clash in what promises to be a pulsating final at the same venue on Saturday.
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