Desire Oparanozie Sends Super Falcons To AWCON Final

Nigeria joined hosts Cameroon in the final of the 2016 African Women’s Cup of Nations after beating traditional rivals South Africa 1-0 in a hard fought semi-final on Tuesday in Limbe.

South Africa were the better side in the first stanza but they failed to make possession count.

The 2012 finalists began the second half on a positive note but could not convert their golden opportunities into goals.

En Avant Guingamp star Desire Oparanozie showed why she is the player for the big moment when she struck an excellent free kick into the net in the 54th minute of play.

Some minutes later the striker nearly doubled her tally but her effort was scrambled away by goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Nigerian fans sat on a time bomb throughout the last 8 minutes but the trio of Alaba Jonathan, Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale were dogged for the Super Falcons.

Nigeria will face hosts Cameroon in the final of the 10th edition of the tournament on Sunday.

Super Falcons Starters Vs Banyana Banyana: Alaba Jonathan, Faith Ikidi Michael, Ugo Njoku, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Okobi, Halimatu Ayinde, Rita Chikwelu (c), Francisca Ordega, Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala

Reserves: Ibubeleye Whyte, Rita Akarekor, Ebere Ngozi, Gladys Akpa, Osarenoma Igbinovia, Glory Iroka, Ijeoma Obi, Chioma Wogu, Uchechi Sunday, Esther Sunday

Banyana Banyana Starters Vs Super Falcons: Dlamini; Mabatle; Van Wyk(C); Mbane;Smeda; Vilakazi; Jane; Makhabane; Matlhalo ; Ngubane; Mcgoyi

Reserves: Tsawe, Boks, Matlou; Motau; Nyandeni; Matlhalo; Kgatlana; Nogwanya

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : thenff.com