By : Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Nigeria scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to beat defending champions South Africa 2-1 and book their place in Saturday’s final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Michelle Alozie’s delivery from deep into the box eluded Banyana Banyana keeper Andile Dlamini in the 94th minute to keep alive the West Africans’ hopes of securing a record-extending 10th continental title.
The Super Falcons had led in Casablanca through Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty on the stroke of half-time after Bambanani Mbane was penalised for handling Folashade Ijamilusi’s shot.
But the holders fought back in the second half and levelled on the hour mark through a composed Linda Motlhalo spot-kick, awarded when Osinachi Ohale tugged back Hildah Magaia.
That was the first goal the Nigeria had conceded at this year’s finals and it knocked the nine-time champions out of their stride.
South Africa had to deal with a serious-looking injury to Gabriela Salgado with six minutes remaining but, just as the game appeared to be heading to extra time, Alozie struck to spark jubilant celebrations.
They will face either hosts Morocco or Ghana in the final, with those sides meeting in Tuesday’s late last-four tie (19:00 GMT).
Mission X remains on track
South Africa’s quarter-final against Senegal had gone to extra time and penalties and, having had a day’s less rest than their opponents, they made a nervy start at Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The Super Falcons had a brilliant double chance in the 11th minute with Dlamini saving from Esther Okoronkwo before centre-back Tiisetso Makhubela both headed clear and then blocked Chinwendu Ihezuo’s follow-up in front of the goalline.
South Africa were forced to reorganise after losing Makhubela to injury midway through the half but appeared to be heading in level at the break before Ijamilusi fired an effort into the left hand of Mbane, who was barely two yards away.
Dlamini got a hand to Ajibade’s low penalty, but the effort had enough power to put Nigeria ahead, and the South Africa goalkeeper almost gifted her opponents another goal in the first minute of the second half when she dropped a cross just yards out.
Nigeria’s level dropped in the second half and South Africa, who had rarely threatened, were gifted a way back into the content by a defensive lapse in concentration which was confirmed by VAR.
Motlhalo sent Super Falcons keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the wrong way from the spot to set up a fiercely contested and tense final half hour.
Noxolo Cesane almost put South Africa in front in the 73rd minute when she slid in to meet a deep cross from the left, but her effort did not have enough on it to roll over the line and Ohale eventually cleared.
Salgado’s injury after a scramble in the box disrupted the final stages – with several Banyana players in clear distress before she was taken off on a stretcher – and contributed to six minutes of stoppage time.
Alozie’s lofted delivery looked hopeful but bounced just outside the six-yard box and the presence of onrushing Nigerians Ihezuo and Deborah Abiodun provided an added distraction for Dlamini, with the ball ending up in the net despite the desperate efforts of Fikile Magama.
Abiodun claimed the goal but replays showed she did not get a touch and it was eventually awarded to the Super Falcons right-back.
The manner of the outcome was harsh on South Africa who put in a committed performance despite the injury setbacks they encountered throughout the match.
They had been bidding for their second Wafcon title and to reach a third successive final under coach Desiree Ellis, whose future is now up in the air after nine years in charge.
Nigeria’s quest to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2018, which has been dubbed Mission X, remains on track – but the Super Falcons faced a far sterner examination than they had during the quarter-finals when they beat Zambia 5-0.
(BBC)
