Match Recap
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45′ – Nigeria takes lead: Captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty awarded for a handball, giving the Falcons a crucial half-time advantage.
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Second-half equaliser: South Africa responded with a penalty of their own, successfully dispatched by Linda Motlhalo, setting up a tense finish.
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90+3′ – Stunning winner: Michelle Alozie shocked the stadium by curling a long-range free-kick into the net during stoppage time, sealing a dramatic victory for Nigeria.
Tactical & Emotional Highlights
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High stakes, high intensity: True to form, the match was fiercely contested, reflecting the intense rivalry between two of Africa’s women’s football powerhouses.
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Nigeria’s resurgence: After early tournament struggles, coach Justin Madugu’s team found form with a powerful performance against Zambia, and carried that momentum into tonight's decisive clash.
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South Africa’s grit: Undaunted, Banyana Banyana demonstrated mental strength by bouncing back from Nigeria’s opener and maintaining composure until the final moments.
What’s Next
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Final spot secured: Nigeria now advances to Saturday’s WAFCON 2024 final, aiming for a historic tenth title.
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Awaiting the opponent: Their opponent will be the winner of tonight’s other semi-final between Morocco and Ghana, also contested under the Casablanca lights.
Standout performances:
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Rasheedat Ajibade: Cool under pressure, responsible for opening the scoring from the spot.
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Michelle Alozie: Heroic winner scorer, lighting up the closing moments.
In a match filled with drama, ambition, and last-second brilliance, Nigeria seized their moment to dethrone the defending champions. Next up: one final push toward continental glory.
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