The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the finals of the 11th African Women Cup Of Nations going on in Ghana after a penalty shootout win over rivals Cameroon.
The semifinal game ended 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes. The extra time of 30 minutes failed to produce a goal.
It was a very cagey affair in the first half as the Indomitable Lionesses dominated possession but failed to make it count.
The Super Falcons were very disciplined at the back and parked themselves at their shell.
Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was kept very busy by the Cameroonians in the capital city of Ghana.
The Falcons struggled to exert themselves and resorted to long balls against the more mobile Cameroon team.
Ngo Ndom produced a dipping save to frustrate Eskilstuna United attacking midfielder Ngozi Okobi from close range.
In the 50th minute, Okobi got on the end of a low cross from Asisat Oshoala but was wasteful with her finishing touch.
Oluehi was called to action when she made a one handed save from Ngo Mbeleck’s left footed shot.
Both sides preferred the tactical route but the Indomitable Lionesses played far better with their sleek approach.
The game wasn’t decided at regulation time and it stretched to extra time.
In the shootouts, tension was in the air as the two teams needed luck to go through to the final and pick their place at the 2019 FIFA Women’s Cup in France.
The two teams scored their first two kicks each.
Falcons keeper Oluehi pulled off a smart save from Gaelle Engenamouit’s kick before Oshoala made it 3-2.
The Indomitable Lionesses missed their fourth kick as it hit the bar.
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