Nigeria script thrilling comeback to win 10th WAFCON after beating Morocco 3-2 from being 2-0 down within 12 mins.
Nigeria win 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after thrilling comeback against Morocco.
Nigeria won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday after a spectacular comeback from a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2.
Nigeria achieved a record-breaking tenth victory, solidifying their position as Africa’s most successful women’s team. At Rabat’s Stade Olympique, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi spearheaded the comeback before Jennifer Echegini, a replacement, scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute.
In an attempt to become just the fourth nation to win the continental championship after South Africa, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, Morocco’s home squad took an unexpected lead thanks to goals from winger Sanaâ Mssoudy and captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the first half hour.
The Super Falcons became the first team to lift the redesigned Wafcon trophy and receive $1 million in prize money, which has increased since the previous tournament.
After a 1-1 draw in Casablanca, Ghana upset South Africa on penalties in Friday’s third-place playoff. Banyana Banyana took the lead shortly before halftime with to a brilliant effort from outside the penalty area by Nonhlanhla Mthandi, but Ghana tied the score in the 68th minute when a header from South Africa defender Alice Kusi deflected in off goalie Andile Dlamini.
Evelyn Badu struck the crossbar for the Black Queens in stoppage time after Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan denied Linda Motlhalo late in the game. In the shootout, Ghana prevailed 4-3 thanks to Konlan’s crucial saves on two South Africa penalties. Ghana achieved their first top-three finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since 2016 with a victory over the reigning champions.