Gallant Super Falcons fail to reach WAFCON final

Nigeria failed in its bid to reach a 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, after losing to hosts Morocco in the semi-final on Monday.

Randy Waldrum’s side lost 5-4 on penalties after playing a 1-1 in over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.

The nine times Winner dominated the first half and should have taken the lead, but they fluffed easy chances.

The hosts started the second half on the front foot and almost took the lead immediately after the restart but for a stupendous clearance by Plumptre Ashleigh Megan denied the Lionesses.

However, the Super Falcons were reduced to ten players as Halimatu Ayinde was shown a red card in the 48th minute after a dangerous tackle.

The Super Falcons however got a breakthrough in the 62nd minute after Yasmin Katie Mrabet put the ball into her own net following some brilliant effort by Rasheedat Ajibade.

The lead lasted for only eight minutes as poor defending coupled with a goalkeeping error allowed the Moroccans restore parity.

Nigeria were reduced to nine players in the 70th minute when Ajibade was then sent off for dangerous play.

Despite playing with two Players less the Super Falcons almost reclaimed the lead as substitute Gift Monday attempted a fine effort from the edge of the area, but the woodwork saved the Moroccans.

The game however went to penalty shoot-out and Ifeoma Onumonu saw her kick saved by the Atlas Lioness goalkeeper Khadujah Er-Rmichi.

Morocco will now face South Africa in the final with both teams looking to clinch the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time.