Ajibade and Alozie fire Nigeria into WAFCON final
Nigeria advanced to the final and maintained hopes of a record-breaking 10th continental title on Tuesday night by defeating arch-rivals South Africa 2-1 in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final.
In what was billed as a “final before the final,” Michelle Alozie and Rasheedat Ajibade came through when it counted most, scoring either side of a penalty kick from Linda Motlhalo to help the Super Falcons exact revenge for their 2022 defeat to Banyana Banyana and demonstrate their supremacy on African soil.
Following a handball by Bambanani Mbane in the South African box, Ajibade broke the tie just before halftime with a calm finish from the penalty spot. Nigeria controlled the pace with a well-organized defense and deft transitions, with Alozie and Ihezuo probing all the time, and the goal capped their first-half dominance.
The defending champions, South Africa, put up a strong fight in the second half and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Osinachi Ohale brought down Hildah Magaia, resulting in a penalty. Motlhalo scored with a flawless penalty kick to tie the score and give Banyana a brief advantage. However, Michelle Alozie scored an incredible long-range winner deep into stoppage time as extra time approached.
Her 35-yard effort swerved past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and sparked wild celebrations among the Nigerian players and fans inside Stade Larbi Zaouli. The final minutes saw tempers flare and injuries mount, with Chinwendu Ihezuo stretchered off and yellow cards flying.
But Nigeria held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to seal the win and set up a mouthwatering final in Rabat. The Super Falcons remain unbeaten in the tournament and will head into the final with renewed confidence. For South Africa, their title defense ends in heartbreak, but they will regroup for the third-place playoff.
