The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations following a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, Soccernet.ng.
Nigeria locked horns with South Africa in the semifinal of WAFCON 2024, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The Banyana Banyana used to be an easy foe for Nigeria until recently. Recall that they even defeated the Super Falcons in the run-up to their title triumph in 2022.
However, this time, coach Justin Madugu’s ladies were odds on favourites, given their exploits in the quarterfinals, when then thrashed one of the competition's favourites Zambia 5-0.
Coach Madugu named the same lineup from the semis, with stars like Rasheed Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, and Chiamaka starting.
The Super Falcons did not wast time in showing their quality, as they dominated the fixture from the blast of the whistle.
Unlike the previous game against Zambia, they employed a high press which South Africa struggled to pass through.
Nigeria had some half chances, but they failed to create enough clear-cut chances. However, just two minutes before the break, they won a penalty after a South African player committed handball in the box.
Captain of the Super Falcons Rasheedat Ajibade took charge of the opportunity and struck the ball towards the net. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini got a hand to it, but could not push it out. So the Super Falcons took a one-goal lead into the break.
GOBOL
RASHEEDAT AJIBADE
SUPER FALCONS pic.twitter.com/cSmhYTYHEy
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In the second half, the South Africans switched things up and started playing a bit better. Although Nigeria still saw more of the ball, the Banyana Banyana still looked a dangerous whenever, they were in Nigeria's half of the pitch.
Their improvement brought about a penalty in the 58th minute, as veteran defender Osinachi Ohale tugged the shirt of a South African defender during an attacking incursion. Although the call look harsh, it was confirmed after a VAR review.
Linda Motlhalo took charge of the opportunity, as she sent the ball to the bottom left corner of Nnadozie's goal to make it 1-1.
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⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Banyana Banyana get an equalizer as Linda Motlhalo converts from the penalty spot.
1⃣➖1⃣
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South Africa nearly scored a second just 12 minutes after that after some lapse defending from Nigeria. However, Ohale saved the Super Falcons' blushes, as she made a goal line clearance to ensure the scoreline remained the same.
After that action, the game was quite balanced, and as it drew close to stoppage time, it looked like the fixture was headed for extra time. But Alozie had other ideas.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, she sent a teasing cross into the area, which Deborah Abiodun tried to reach. Abiodun could not get to the ball, but her run confused Dlamini in South Africa's goal, leaving the ball to bounce freely into the net to make it 2-1.
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⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Nigeria restore their lead against Banyana Banyana.
2⃣➖1⃣
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The referee allowed the game to go on for another eight minutes, but the Banyana could not muster an equalizer. It eventually ended 2-1 in favour of Nigeria.
The win ensured that they have qualified fir the finals of the 2024 WAFCON, where they they take on the winner of the other semifinal between Morocco and Ghana.
