More
    HomeSportsAjibade, Alozie fire Super Falcons into WAFCON final

    Ajibade, Alozie fire Super Falcons into WAFCON final

    Published on

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons edged arch-rivals South Africa 2-1 in a pulsating Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday evening to book their place in the final and keep alive hopes of a record-extending 10th continental title.

    In a match billed as a “final before the final,” Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie delivered when it mattered most, scoring either side of a Linda Motlhalo penalty to help the Super Falcons avenge their 2022 loss to Banyana Banyana and underline their dominance on African soil.

    Ajibade broke the deadlock just before the break with a composed finish from the penalty spot after a handball by Bambanani Mbane in the South African box.

    The goal crowned Nigeria’s first-half superiority, as they dictated the tempo with a disciplined defence and sharp transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo probing constantly.

    South Africa, the defending champions, came out fighting in the second half and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Hildah Magaia was brought down by Osinachi Ohale, leading to a penalty.

    Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot to level the scores and swing the momentum temporarily Banyana’s way.

    But just as extra time loomed, Michelle Alozie struck a sensational long-range winner deep into stoppage time.

    Her 35-yard effort swerved past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and sparked wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans inside Stade Larbi Zaouli.

    The final minutes saw tempers flare and injuries mount, with Chinwendu Ihezuo stretchered off and yellow cards flying.

    But Nigeria held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to seal the win and set up a mouthwatering final in Rabat.

    The Super Falcons remain unbeaten in the tournament and will head into the final with renewed confidence.

    For South Africa, their title defence ends in heartbreak, but they will regroup for the third-place playoff.

     

    Latest articles

    Nigerian Army condemns officer’s death in Akwa Ibom

    The Nigerian Army has condemned the killing of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, Regimental Medical Officer...

    Kano TikToker remanded over viral video with dwarf woman

    A Kano magistrate court has ordered the remand of popular TikToker, Ashiru Idris, also...

    Two teenagers shot dead as robbers attack Lagos barbershop

    Tragedy struck in the Cele Nica community, Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State,...

    Customs intercept 35,000 litres of fuel, cannabis, contraband worth N109m in Kebbi

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has intercepted over 35,700 litres of...

    More like this

    Nigerian Army condemns officer’s death in Akwa Ibom

    The Nigerian Army has condemned the killing of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, Regimental Medical Officer...

    Kano TikToker remanded over viral video with dwarf woman

    A Kano magistrate court has ordered the remand of popular TikToker, Ashiru Idris, also...

    Two teenagers shot dead as robbers attack Lagos barbershop

    Tragedy struck in the Cele Nica community, Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State,...