Edwin Okon's ladies have sealed a place in the final of the AWC as well as a place in the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup after a hard fought win over arch rivals Banyana Banyana
Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-1 in the first semi-final of the 9th African Women Championship game played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia. This means that the Super Falcons have picked one of the three African spots at the 2015 Fifa Women's World Cup in Canada.
A first half brace from youth prodigy Asisat Oshoala blew away Banyana Banyana who tried to launch a comeback in the second half courtesy of a controversial strike from Nompumelelo Nyandeni.
Edwin Okon’s ladies made their intent to avenge their defeat against the same team in the 2012 edition known from the kickoff of the encounter as they forced goalkeeper Philadelphia Mndaweni to make successive saves.
Nigeria’s first real chance fell to Oshoala in the 17th minute after a fine pass from Francesca Ordega but the impressive South African goalkeeper was at her best to prevent havoc been wreaked. Mndaweni was called again to make another great save two minutes later off the boot of Oshoala.
Ordega missed a good opportunity to put Nigeria in the lead on the half-hour mark heading wide from Ngozi Ebere's cross before Oshoala finally got her breakthrough eight minutes later.
Ordega missed a good opportunity to put Nigeria in the lead on the half-hour mark heading wide from Ngozi Ebere's cross before Oshoala finally got her breakthrough eight minutes later.
After several attempts by the former African queens, Oshoala put her side ahead in the 38th minute. She shot from close range after rounding off the two South African defenders.
On the stroke of half time, Oshoala doubled her side’s advantage after her long range strike floated into the net as goalkeeper Mndaweni was caught off her line.
In the 67th minute, Banyana Banyana reduced the tally through Nyandeni with a shot from a corner that was adjudged to have crossed the line before Onome Ebi headed out. The ball had continued in play before the centre referee signalled that the ball had indeed crossed the line.
With a goal rejuvenating their nerves, South Africa almost got the equalizer but Matlou failed to connect a Leandra Smeda cross in what was the last kick of the game.
With this win, Nigeria will now face the winner of the other semi-final match between Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the competition.With a goal rejuvenating their nerves, South Africa almost got the equalizer but Matlou failed to connect a Leandra Smeda cross in what was the last kick of the game.
South Africa still have an opportunity to get a ticket to Canada 2015 if they win the third place match.
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