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Michelle Alozie scored a sensational late winner to hand Nigeria a thrilling 2-1 victory over South Africa and a place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Falcons took the lead through captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s first-half penalty before Linda Motlhalo equalised for Banyana Banyana in the second half.
But with the game seemingly heading for extra time, Alozie’s speculative long ball in the 94th minute somehow sailed over Dlamini’s head and into the net to break South African resistance.
The drama at Casablanca’s Stade Larbi Zaouli began with Nigeria asserting early control.
Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo all came close to scoring within the opening 15 minutes, with goalkeeper Dlamini called into action repeatedly to keep South Africa afloat.
Nigeria finally made their dominance count in the 44th minute when Ajibade, a consistent tormentor of Banyana Banyana, calmly converted from the spot after the ball was handled in the danger area.
South Africa improved after the break, and their persistence paid off just before the hour mark. Osinachi Ohale’s mistake allowed Hildah Magaia to run through before being brought down in the box. VAR confirmed the penalty, and Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot.
With the scores level, both sides had chances.
South Africa came closest in the 73rd minute when Nnadozie was beaten, but Nigeria’s defenders cleared off the line. Injuries also disrupted the tempo, with Gabriela Salgado stretchered off late on.
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Alozie sent a hopeful long ball forward. With no one making contact and Dlamini misjudging the flight, the ball bounced and nestled into the net, triggering wild celebrations from the Nigerian bench.
The victory sends Nigeria into yet another WAFCON final, their 10th, where they will face either Ghana or hosts Morocco. It also ends South Africa’s title defence, condemning them to the third-place playoff.
The Super Falcons remain on course for a record-extending 10th African crown.
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