The Falcons showed why they are super on the African continent that, even after being reduced to nine, they fought back and found a way to take hosts Morocco to penalties before losing 5-4 in the second semi-final of the Women’s Nations Cup. from CAF on Monday. night at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
A red card to Halimatu Ayinde two minutes into the second half and another in the 70th to Rasheedat Ajibade changed the course of the match.
Despite being one player down, the Super Falcons took the lead through Uchenna Kanu in the 62nd minute, but the Lionesses struck back four minutes later through Mssoudy Sanaa before triumphing on penalties after extra time.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons reached Monday’s semi-final against Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses with the pedigree of multiple WAFCON champions when coach Randy Waldrum decided to start Uchenna Kanu instead of Francisca Ordega, but it was the home team that started better than the two teams.
Morocco opened and won the first free kick in the minute when Zineb Redouani stumbled just before entering the Nigerian box. Ghizlane Chebbak headed the free kick that followed. This is how the first five minutes passed, while the 45,000 spectators roared at the local team.
Morocco won the first corner kick in the eighth minute but Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie put in a good hand to clear the danger. The Falcons fought back and saw Ifeoma Onumonu through a ball, but her touch let her down.
The Falcons took over the midfield through Ngozi Okobi, Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe and pushed Morocco back, but the last ball was not good enough to produce any goals in the first half.
The second half began with Morocco in the lead as Ayinde was shown the red card for stepping on Rosella Ayane’s Achilles tendon following a VAR review. Ohale cleared at the line in the 52nd minute as the Moroccan players surged forward.
The Falcons went ahead in the 62nd minute after a good cross down the right by Ajibade that Onumonu headed to the post. Kanu pounced on the rebound as the ball came off Yasmine Mirabet for the first goal.
The Moroccans were only four minutes behind. Ayane’s cross was spilled by Chiamaka Nnadozie into the path of Mssoudy Sanaa who was charging in for the equaliser. Four minutes later, Ajibade received a red card for a stamp following another VAR review.
At nine, the Falcons retreated into a defensive shell as the Moroccans advanced in search of a winner. Despite the sheer quantity of the ball and Fatima Tagnaout’s tricks down the left flank, the Lionesses found the Falcons a tough nut to crack.
Captain Onome Ebi suffered a hamstring injury in the 77th minute and was replaced by Michelle Alozie with Ashleigh Plumptre moved into central defense to match the magnificent Osinachi Ohale.
The game went into overtime and Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie stood tall to handle all the shots.
After 120 minutes, penalties ensued and the Moroccans were perfect, while Onumonu missed the Falcons’ second shot to give Morocco a first-ever shot. WAFCON final ticket. They will battle South Africa in the final as the Falcons lick their wounds as they prepare for the third place match against Zambia.