BY IFEANYI UWAGWU/EBI NIEKETIEN
THE Super Falcons have reached the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa’s BanyanaBanyana in Casablanca, yesterday night. The win keeps alive their dreams of a historic 10th continental title, a mission the team has dubbed “Mission X.”
It was a tense and fiercely contested semi-final that saw both sides battle for supremacy. Nigeria took the lead just before half-time when Captain RasheedatAjibade coolly converted a penalty after a South African defender was penalised for a handball in the box. The breakthrough gave the Falcons a psychological edge going into the break.
South Africa, however, responded strongly after the restart. They won a penalty of their own just before the hour mark, and Linda Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot to bring her side level, which was the first goal conceded by Nigeria since the competition began. With both teams cancelling each other, the game looked set for extra time.
However, in added time, Michelle Alozie stepped up with a goal of the tournament contender. Her curling long ball from the right flank evaded the sea of bodies in the box, including the onrushing South African goalkeeper and bounced into the net, sealing a late winner, sparking delirium among the Nigerian fans in the stadium. The strike capped an electrifying performance and proved enough to end South Africa’s title defence.
The match was not without its worrying moments. A disturbing injury occurred before Nigeria’s winner, when South African midfielder Gabriela Salgado went down following a heavy collision during a goalmouth scramble. Play was halted for several minutes as medical staff treated her on the pitch before she was stretchered off in visible pain, which was later confirmed to be a fractured leg.
Nigeria’s victory marks their 10th appearance in a WAFCON final, further cementing their legacy as the most successful team in the competition’s history. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Ghana in Saturday’s final.
With their unbeaten run in the tournament intact and the finish line in sight, the Super Falcons are one step away from completing Mission X and reaffirming their dominance on the continent.
