Super Falcons of nigeria stunned Bayanabayana of South Africa in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Accra Sports Stadium to lift the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the ninth time on Saturday.
Just like it happened in the semifinal game against Cameroon, Nigeria prevailed on penalties after the full 90 minutes and extra time failed to produce any goals.
Nigeria failed only once in the shoot-out, with Onome Ebi hitting the post with the opening penalty. South Africa missed twice — Lebohang Ramalepe fired wide of the post, while Linda Mothalyo saw her spot kick saved.
With Chinaza Uchendu scoring Nigeria’s last spot kick and Linda Mothalyo given the task of taking Banyana Banyana’s last kick, the shootout was on the brink of progressing to sudden death. However, Tochukwu dived brilliantly to her right to deny the midfielder to ensure Nigeria won 4-3, and claim their third consecutive AWCON title.
Onome Ebi missed Nigeria’s first penalty as she hit the bar but Ngozi Ebere, Rita Chikwelu, Chiwendu Ihezuo and Chinaza Uchendu all hit target.
Having lost to Desiree Ellis’ side in the group stage, the Nigerians were determined to get revenge. Well, that determination paid off.
After Asisat Oshoala blew away the chance to win the game for Thomas Dennerby’s side on 74 minutes, as she fired wide of the upright, it looked like the final was going to swing in South Africa’s favour.
But Oluehi produced a brilliant save to deny Banyana Banyana following a long-range freekick in extra time and, of course, a penalty in the shoot-out to help Nigeria triumph.
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