The Super Falcons of Nigeria are a kick away from claiming their seventh African Women’s Championship (AWC) title after beating the Banyanaof South Africa 2-1 in the semi-final of this year’s competition at Sam Nujoma Stadium, in Windhoek, in Namibia, on Wednesday.
Two goals in the seven minutes leading into half time from Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala were enough to seal the result and a place in the final, even with Banyana pulling a goal back through Refiloe Jane late in the second period.
The top three teams at this year’s tournament will qualify for the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada, and Banyana will still have a chance of qualification if they win their third/fourth place playoff match.
In the 38th minute Nigeria hit the front. Oshoala broke away from the last line of defence, calmly rounded a Banyana player in the box and found the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead for Nigeria.
On the verge of the half-time break, Oshoala made a run down the right and, spotting Mndaweni off her line, lobbed the ball over the keeper for a 2-0 lead.
In the second half, Banyana scored in the 68th minute. Modise sent a cross into the box, and Jane’s headed attempt was adjudged to have crossed the line to grab a goal back for Banyana with just over 20 minutes remaining.
