Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Tuesday night sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory over rivals South Africa to secure a place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), setting up a shot at a record-extending 10th continental title.
The thrilling semi-final clash, held at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, saw Nigeria take the lead on the stroke of half-time after Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty won following a foul inside the South African box.
The reigning champions, Banyana Banyana, fought back early in the second half, earning a penalty after a Nigerian foul. The spot-kick was calmly dispatched to restore parity and set up a tense finish.
With the game poised at 1-1 and both teams battling for supremacy, Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie emerged the hero, curling in a spectacular free kick in the 90th minute that left the South African goalkeeper rooted.
The victory marks a sweet payback for the Falcons, who suffered a group-stage defeat to the South Africans at the last edition of the tournament in 2022.
Randy Waldrum’s side will now face the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Ghana’s Black Queens in what promises to be an electrifying final.
