Nigeria’s Super Falcons, yesterday, defeated archrivals, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, 2-1 to qualify for the final of the Morocco 2025 African Women’s Cup of Nations.

Rising from a comprehensive 5-0 defeat of emerging women’s football powerhouse, Zambia, many expected the Super Falcons to continue a seamless march to their 10th title in the competition, but they showed little against their more organised South Africans foes.

In the competition’s first semifinal at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, the Super Falcons, who had 46 per cent of ball possession to South Africa’s 54, took the lead through Captain Rasheedat Ajibade from the penalty spot arising after a Banyana Banyana defender handled the ball in the box.

The South Africans equalised in the second half when the much-experienced Osinachi Ohale needlessly pulled a South African attacker back inside the box and Linda Mothlalo scored from the resulting spot kick.

As supporters of both sides girded their loins for a possible 30-minute added time as the match drifted to and fro endlessly, Michelle Alozie’s long punt from Nigeria’s half surprisingly beat everybody, including South Africa’s goalkeeper, to hand victory to the Falcons.

The game was littered with injuries, with the most serious involving South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado, who was stretchered off the pitch, prompting visible concern from both sets of players and supporters inside the stadium.

Nigeria will now meet the winner of the second semifinal between Ghana and hosts, Morocco, who met later yesterday.

(GUARDIAN)