Michelle Alozie scored a stoppage-time winner as Nigeria advanced to the final of the Women’s African Cup of Nations with a 2-1 win over South Africa on Tuesday.
In one of the biggest matches of the competition so far, the Super Falcons secured bragging rights over the Banyana Banyana to reach the final after missing out on the last edition.
Nigeria had produced a dominant display to eliminate Zambia, securing a 5-0 win in their quarterfinal clash last week.
South Africa, on the other hand, defeated Senegal on penalties after a goalless encounter to setup the clash against the Super Falcons.
The West Africans had an early chance to take the lead in the match but Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, were denied by Dlamini in the South Africa’s goal and a goal-line clearance by Tiisetso Makhubela respectively.
Nigeria were awarded a penalty kick after a handball in the area, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade dispatched the kick to make the scores 1-0.
With no further goals in the first half, the 2018 champions went into the break with a slender advantage.
The defending champions were awarded a spot-kick of their own in the second half after a foul in the Super Falcons area, allowing Motlhalo to equalize, sending Chiamaka Nnadozie the wrong way.
With extra-time looming, Alozie delivered a perfect delivery into the box which missed both Ihezuo and substitute Abiodun, to end up in the back of the net.
The goal sparked wild scenes among the Nigerian bench, who returned to the final after missing out in 2022.
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Nigeria will face host nation Morocco in the final on Saturday, in a repeat of the 2022 semifinal tie where the North Africans edged the Super Falcons before losing to South Africa in the final.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
