AWNC 2016: Super Falcons face Cameroon in final

By The Citizen
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Defending champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria, once again defeated South Africa's Banyana Banyana to qualify for the final game of the on-going Cameroon 2016 African Women Nations Cup (AWNC), which holds on Saturday.

The Falcons started the game brightly, with forwards Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie talking the fight to the South African defence, but the Banyana goalkeeper, Dlamini was in excellent form.

The Banyana Banayana were expected to be strong opponents to the Nigerians and they proved just how good they are, as they marched the Falcons toe to toe, creating their own chances in the game.

Mabatle went close for the South Africans in the 19th minute, but she found the defence manned by Faith Ikidi, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale and Ugo Njoku too hard to crack.

The South Africans had the ball in the back of the net just before the halftime break, but the effort was flagged offside.

Super Falcons' Desire Oparanozie, however, broke the deadlock 12 minutes after the restart when she powered a free kick beyond the despairing dives of Dlamini to give Nigeria the lead.

South Africa's Coach, Ellis responded by introducing Thembi Kgatlana, who seemed to have made an impact, as she linked up with Mcgoyi and Linda Motlhalo.

Banyana nearly got the equaliser in the 86th minute, but they had two efforts cleared off the line by the Nigerian defence.

Oshoala wasted what could have been goal number two when she elected to dribble past a defender instead of firing towards goal.

With the win, Nigeria will now meet Cameroon in the final game of the competition on Saturday, while South Africa will face Ghana in the third/fourth play-off on Friday evening.

Cameroon reached the final for the successive time after beating Ghana 1-0 in Yaoundé to set up a rematch with Nigeria.

Midfielder Raissa Feudjio scored the only goal of the match on 71 minutes as 'Les Lionnes' deservingly booked their place in the grand finale and continue their march towards a historic first ever title in the flagship women's competition.

The Super Falcons beat Cameroon 2-0 in the final of the last edition of the competition hosted by Namibia two years ago.