In a dramatic semifinal clash at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa, booking their place in Saturday’s final.
The match reached its crescendo in the fourth minute of stoppage time when defender Michelle Alozie’s speculative long ball evaded everyone, including Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, to seal Nigeria’s passage to the championship decider.
The encounter served as redemption for Nigeria, who suffered a group stage defeat against the same opponents in the previous tournament.
The Falcons dominated the first half, with South Africa’s defense surviving several close calls before Nigeria broke through just before halftime. Folashade Ijamilusi won a penalty that captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted with clinical precision to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead at the break.
South Africa responded in the 60th minute, equalizing from the penalty spot to set up a tense finale.
As the match appeared destined for extra time, Alozie’s hopeful delivery from deep caused chaos in the South African box, with Dlamini misjudging the flight under pressure from Nigerian attackers Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe.
The ball sailed directly into the net, sparking wild celebrations from the Nigerian contingent.
Nigeria will face either hosts Morocco or Ghana in Saturday’s final as they seek to reclaim the continental crown they last won in 2018.
The victory extends Nigeria’s remarkable record in WAFCON, having now reached the final in 12 of the tournament’s 14 editions.
The semifinal triumph was particularly sweet for coach Randy Waldrum, who has guided the team through a challenging tournament marked by injuries to key players.
The American tactician praised his team’s resilience, saying, “This is what Nigerian football is about – that never-say-die attitude. We knew it would be tough against the champions, but the girls showed incredible character.”
With the win, Nigeria also secured qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup, continuing their record as the only African nation to appear in every edition of the global tournament since its inception in 1991.
The final on Saturday promises to be a historic occasion, with Nigeria aiming to extend their record as the most successful nation in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history with 11 titles.
SFor South Africa, the defeat means they will contest the third-place playoff, still with a chance to secure World Cup qualification.
