Super Falcons of Nigeria Edge South Africa 2–1 To Reach WAFCON 2024 Final

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 2–1 victory over defending champions South Africa.

Nigeria threatened early on, with Chiwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo testing South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini within the first 12 minutes. A brilliant pass from Ashleigh Plumptre set up Ihezuo in the 11th minute, but Dlamini made a stunning save. She denied Okoronkwo again a minute later.

Despite their fluid midfield play, South Africa failed to seriously trouble Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Super Falcons broke the deadlock just before halftime after a handball by Bomgeka Gamede. Rasheedat Ajibade converted the resulting penalty, with Dlamini getting a touch but unable to keep it out.

South Africa drew level in the 60th minute through Linda Motlhalo, who converted a penalty of their own.

But Nigeria had the final say, as the right-back fired home a stunning long-range strike in stoppage time to seal a place in the final.