Nigeria’s Super Falcons edged South Africa by a slim 1-0 margin on Tuesday to qualify for the final of the ongoing Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Desire Oparanozie’s beautifully taken free-kick was enough for the nine-time champions to book a ticket to Saturday’s grand finale in Yaoundé.
The goal was the only bright spot of a rather frustrating evening in Limbe with both sides offering little going forward.
Nigeria got off to an encouraging start with England-based forward, Asisat Oshoala, causing a few problems for the Bayana Bayana defence.
Desiree Ellis’ charges did create a chance of their own in the 19th minute but failed to make it count.
The Falcons then broke the deadlock in the 57th minute courtesy of Oparanozi – her second goal in the last two games. .
Banyana came close to levelling things in the 86th minute, but they had two efforts cleared off the line by the Nigerian defence.
The Falcons will now face Cameroon in Saturday’s final – same team they’ve beaten on three other occasions as they aim towards winning their 10th title.
South Africa on the other hand will play Ghana in the third-place play-off on Friday.
