Last Minute Alozie Magic! Super Falcons Soar into WAFCON Final, Banyana Hearts Broken

In a gripping semifinal clash at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the Super Falcons of Nigeria emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The hard-fought encounter, held under high expectations, showcased tactical discipline and resilience from both sides as they battled for a place in the tournament’s final.

The match kicked off with both teams displaying solid defensive structures, making it difficult for either side to break through.

Chances were scarce in the early stages, as both teams remained cautious, probing for weaknesses without committing too many players forward.

Although Okoronkwo missed a one-on-one chance in the eleventh minute, courtesy the South African goalkeeper who was alert and stretched her left leg to block her shot before Ihezuo on a rebound forced a goal line clearance from the South African defender.

It was clear that both sides respected each other’s attacking capabilities, opting for a more conservative approach in the opening minutes.

As the first half wore on, Nigeria began to assert themselves more in possession, pushing the South African defense deeper into their half.

Their persistence paid off just before halftime when the referee pointed to the penalty spot following a clumsy challenge inside the box on a Nigerian attacker.

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade assumed responsibility for the spot kick, and with calm precision, she slotted the ball into the net to hand Nigeria a 1-0 lead going into the break.

The goal was a crucial morale boost for the Super Falcons, who had struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the tightly contested first half.

South Africa returned to the pitch after the interval with renewed determination.

Sensing the urgency of the situation, Banyana Banyana increased their attacking tempo and began to push Nigeria’s defensive line.

Their pressure yielded results in the 60th minute when Nigerian defender Osinachi Ohale committed a foul in the box, leading the referee to award a penalty to South Africa.

Midfielder Linda Motlhalo made no mistake from the spot, coolly placing her shot past Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to restore parity.

The equalizer sparked a shift in momentum, prompting Nigeria’s head coach Justin Madugu to react swiftly with tactical substitutions.

Christy Ucheibe was introduced in place of Jennifer Echegini, while Deborah Abiodun replaced Halimatu Ayinde in midfield.

With both teams back on level terms, the match opened up as each side sought a decisive goal.

The tempo increased dramatically, with end-to-end action and scoring chances at both ends.

The midfield turned into a battleground, with crunching tackles and quick transitions as neither side looked willing to settle for extra time.

As the clock ticked down and the match edged into stoppage time, Nigeria seized a dramatic late opportunity.

Esther Okoronkwo, who had been lively throughout the second half, surged forward and delivered a pinpoint cross from the flank.

The ball met Michelle Alozie in the box, who powered it home with a composed finish to send the Nigerian fans into rapturous celebration.

The Super Falcons held firm in the final moments of the match, repelling South Africa’s desperate attempts to draw level again.

The full-time whistle was met with jubilation from the Nigerian bench as the team confirmed their place in the final, bringing them within reach of a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

With this hard-earned victory, Nigeria’s women’s national team continues to affirm its dominance on the continental stage.

They now await the outcome of the second semifinal clash between hosts Morocco and Ghana’s Black Queens to determine their opponent in the final.

The Super Falcons will look to draw upon their rich legacy, experience, and momentum from this semifinal triumph as they prepare for one last battle in pursuit of continental glory.

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