Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the dominant force in Women’s African football, have secured their place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, following a thrilling 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a pulsating semi-final clash at the Labri Zaouli Stadium.
The intense encounter lived up to its billing as a heavyweight showdown between two of the continent’s fiercest rivals. The hard-fought win not only propels the Super Falcons closer to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title but also remarkably ended Banyana Banyana’s impressive 15-match unbeaten streak in the tournament.
The most successful team in WAFCON history, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, now stand on the precipice of further solidifying their legacy, with the final match awaiting.
Rasheedat Ajibade put Nigeria ahead just before halftime with a penalty goal in the 45th minute.
South Africa, the defending champions eager to retain their title, came out in the second half with renewed determination.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 60th minute when Linda Motlhalo calmly scored from the penalty spot, leveling the score and briefly silencing the Nigerian fans. This was the only goal Nigeria conceded throughout the tournament.
As the game looked destined for extra time, Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie emerged as the hero, netting a late winner in the fourth minute of added time.
Her stoppage-time goal crushed South Africa’s hopes and sparked joyous celebrations among the Super Falcons.
Alozie’s strike secured Nigeria’s spot in the final, ending the run of Banyana Banyana, whose goalkeeper Andile Dlamini had made several key saves earlier to keep her team in the game.
The victory further solidifies the Super Falcons’ supremacy in African women’s football, having won nine of the last 12 continental titles.
It also serves as sweet revenge for Nigeria, who had been knocked out by South Africa in the 2022 semi-final.
Nigeria now awaits the winner of the other semi-final between hosts Morocco and Ghana’s Black Queens to know their final opponents.
With their sights set on a 10th title, the Super Falcons continue to prove why they are Africa’s unrivaled queens of women’s football.
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