Alozie’s late stunner sends Super Falcons to WAFCON Final

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Michelle Alozie’s dramatic 94th minute goal propelled Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 semi-final at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, securing their place in the final.

The thrilling match, marked by intense competition and pivotal moments, showcased Nigeria’s resilience in their quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

The Super Falcons dominated early, with Jennifer Echegini nearly scoring in the fifth minute when her powerful shot narrowly missed the target.

Despite their control, Nigeria relied on a 44th-minute penalty from captain Rasheedat Ajibade, her third career goal against South Africa, to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana responded in the 59th minute, as Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty to level the score at 1-1, reigniting the contest.

Nigeria made tactical substitutions, bringing on Christy Ucheibe for Echegini in the 66th minute and Deborah Abiodun for Halimatu Ayinde in the 81st minute to bolster their midfield.

As the match seemed destined for extra time, Alozie, a versatile defender, launched a speculative long-range effort in the fourth minute of stoppage time that soared past South Africa’s goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among Nigerian fans.

The victory avenges Nigeria’s 2-1 group-stage loss to South Africa in 2022 and keeps their unbeaten run intact in WAFCON 2024.

The Super Falcons, anchored by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre, now advance to face either hosts Morocco or Ghana in the final on July 26.

South Africa, despite their spirited performance, could not replicate their 2022 title-winning form, leaving Nigeria as favourites to reclaim the continental crown.