Nigeria’s Super Falcons have advanced to the final of the ongoing 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, on Tuesday in Casablanca, Morocco.
A late goal from defender Michelle Alozie, struck from long range, propelled the nine-time African champions into the final and kept their hopes alive for a tenth continental title.
Nigeria drew first blood from the penalty spot, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade converting in the first half, before Linda Motlhalo equalised for South Africa from the spot in the second half.
Both teams fought tactically in the middle and other stretches of the park, with sets of players stifling one other at crucial moments. Nigeria came close after only eight minutes but forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, in the top scorer’s race with three goals, saw her effort tipped over the sticks by the veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Victory meant the Super Falcons’ first win over the Banyana in the Africa Cup of Nations in the three tournaments, with the South Africans having won group stages matches in 2018 and 2022 with 1-0 and 2-1 score-lines respectively.
