South Africa and Morocco will meet in the final of this edition of the Women African Cup of Nations following victories in their respective semi final games.
South Africa reaches consecutive finals in the Women African Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over Zambia thanks to Linda Motlhalo’s 94th minute penalty.
And evenly contested game at the Mohammad V Sports complex in Casablanca saw both neither side able to find a breakthrough for the entire 90 minutes though chances were created.
As the match appeared headed for a draw, Martha Tembo was condemned for a foul on Seoposenwe inside the area and after consulting the VAR monitor, the referee awarded a penalty to the last time beaten finalist.
Linda Motlhalo stepped up to beat Musonda from the resulting penalty to give South Africa the narrow victory, which sends them to a consecutive final.
Later in the day in Rabat, host nation, Morocco survive a huge upset against nine women Super Falcons of Nigeria on penalties.
Without a doubt the best side until the red card to Halimatu Ayinde three minutes after the break. With 10 women, the Super Falcons continued to dominate and have the breakthrough two minutes after the hour mark.
A cross in found was flicked on and came off the woodwork with Khadija Er-Rmichi scrambling. An attempted clearance by a teammate came off Yasmin Mrabet and into the back of the net.
The lead lasted for only four minutes as Sanaa Mssoudy leveled for the host in the 66th minute.
Rasheedat Ajibade was the second Nigeria player to be sent off following a foul on Zineb Redouani in the 71st minute.
Nigeria held on to complete the 90 minutes and then to extra time, with Morocco unable to find the back of the net despite creating numerous chances.
Nigeria almost grabbed a winner in the first half of extra time but Gift Monday’s strike came off the cross bar.
The game went to a shootout and Ifeoma Onumonu’s effort was saved by Khadija Er-Rmichi while all other players converted theirs and it finished 5-4 to Morocco, who reach a first ever final in the competition.
South Africa and Morocco, both whom have never won the competition will now meet in Saturday’s final, meaning a first time winner of the title is set to emerge.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
