Kenneth AFOR, LAGOS
After 120 minutes of action in the second semi-final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2022 between the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco and the Super Falcons of Nigeria, the hosts Morocco have qualified for their first final after beating the Falcons who were down with nine players 5-4 on penalties.
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The first 45 minutes which ended in a goalless draw came alive after the break in the 62nd minute when Yasmin Mrabet caused an own goal giving Falcons the lead but the tally was reduced to 1-1 four minutes later when Sanaâ Mssoudy found the back of the net.
Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for their tenth final of the tournament began to wane after midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was sent off in the 61st minute and followed by Rasheedat Ajibade in the 71st minute.
The Falcons displayed high spirit despite being down with nine players after 90 minutes and through the extra time.
They were denied the final after Ifeoma Onumonu’s kick made it easy for Moroccan goalkeeper, Khadija Er-Rmichi to save being the only missed kick in the five-a-piece kicks.
Morocco will face South Africa on Saturday, July 23, 2022 while the third place match between Zambia and Nigeria will be played the day before.
