CAN Féminine 2024: Nigeria eliminates South Africa and books a spot in the final! | OneFootball

The Super Falcons secure their ticket to the final thanks to Michelle Alozie, who scored the winning goal.

CAN Féminine 2024: Nigeria eliminates South Africa and books a spot in the final!

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are in the 2024 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations final! The Nigerians defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 this Tuesday, July 22, in Casablanca in a semi-final that reached fever pitch and was decided in stoppage time.

On Tuesday night, the Larbi Zaouli Stadium set the stage for the much-anticipated clash between Nigeria, nine-time tournament champions, and South Africa, the reigning holders. As expected, both teams electrified the Moroccan capital in their quest for a place in the final.

A tightly balanced contest between the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana

From the outset, both sides delivered a physical and committed game. Nigeria nearly broke the deadlock with an Ashleigh Plumptre header denied by Dlamini (10'), before Esther Okoronkwo also saw her effort stopped by the South African goalkeeper. Nigeria’s relentless pressure finally paid off when Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty awarded just before halftime (45'), following a handball by Bambanani Mbane.

Revitalized after the break, Banyana Banyana responded immediately. Linda Motlhalo brought her side level (60') by converting a penalty after Osinachi Ohale fouled Magaia inside the box.

Michelle Alozie sends the Super Falcons to their 10th CAF Women's AFCON final

The tension only escalated in the second half. Fierce challenges, stoppages for injuries, and controversial refereeing decisions punctuated the match. Despite several chances at both ends, the score remained level until the dying moments. It was Michelle Alozie who finally clinched qualification for Nigeria. In the 90+4th minute, the Houston Dash striker unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from distance, sealing a dramatic, last-gasp victory for the Super Falcons.

With this win, Nigeria advances to their tenth continental final since 2002 (twelfth since the tournament's inception) and will aim for a tenth title against the winner of the Morocco-Ghana clash. As for the South Africans, the defending champions, their journey ends before the final whistle, despite a valiant effort.