Banyanya Banyana’s WAFCON dream has come to an end after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria on Tuesday night at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Nigeria found goals courtesy of Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, while Linda Motlhalo scored for Banyana from the penalty spot.
South Africa battled Nigeria in the last four of the Women’s continental showpiece, aiming to book a spot in the final. Banyana came into the WAFCON as one of the favourites to win the title in Morocco, the same nation that hosted the previous tournament.
The Desiree Ellis-coached team made it to the knockout stages after finishing top of Group C with seven points in three matches.
In the quarter-final, Banyana defeated Senegal 4-1 on penalties after the match finished goalless in regulation time. During the penalty shootout against Senegal, Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was the hero after saving two spot kicks to secure a place in the semis.
In the first semi-final of the tournament, the Super Falcons put defending champions Banyana under intense pressure, creating most of the scoring opportunities.
BANYANA CONCEDED THE FIRST GOAL FROM A PENALTY SPOT
Nigeria created a handful of goal-scoring chances; however, Dlamini was up to the task between the sticks. In the closing minutes of the first-half, Banyana conceded a penalty after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the box. Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and converted the penalty to give her side a 1-0 lead.
The 2022 WAFON champions went into the half-time break trailing, having it all to do in the second-half and overturn the scoreline.
In the second stanza, Nigeria continued to dominate the ball possession, looking to score more goals and put the game to bed.
But in the 60th minute, Banyana were awarded a penalty, which was scored by the creative midfielder Linda Motlhalo to bring the scoreline to level terms at 1-1.
Banyana Banyana started gaining momentum, testing the defence of Nigeria, but they failed to convert their chances. On the other hand, Nigeria scored the winning goal in the dying minutes of the match to book a place in the final.
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