Another AWCON Final For Falcons After Defeating Banyana

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face hosts Cameroon in the final of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations on Saturday following a 1-0 win against South Africa in a keenly contested semi-final tie in Limbe on Tuesday. Desire Oparanozie grabbed the decisive goal nine minutes into the second half.

Banyana Banyana dominated proceedings in the first half as the defending champions struggled to put passes together with Oparanozie, who started a game for the first time in the competition, lacking support up front. But despite having the upper hand, the South Africans struggled to break down the Super Falcons defence marshalled by Osinachi Ohale.

Ngozi Okobi and Oparanozie had chances to put Nigeria ahead but failed to hit the back of the net. South Africa had the ball in the back of the net nine minutes before the break but the effort was ruled out for offside. Oparanozie gave Florence Omagbemi’s side the lead in the 53rd from a well struck freekick. Halimat Ayinde found her way into the edge of the box and was brought down by a South African defender and Oparanozie converted for her second goal of the competition.

South Africa came close to grabbing the leveller six minutes before time when Ohale made a well time clearance on the line. The Falcons were denied a penalty a minute later when Asisat Oshoala was brought down in the box but the referee waved it off.