A
first half brace from youth prodigy, Asisat Oshoala, blew away the Banyana
Banyana of South Africa 2-1 in the semi final of the African Women
Championships in Namibia yesterday.
The victory apart from landing the six-time
African champions in the final of the AWC, also earned Nigeria ticket to the
FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted by Canada next year.
Although
South Africa tried to launch a comeback in the second half courtesy of a
controversial strike from midfielder, Refiloe Jane, the Nigerian ladies were
resolute in their play till the last minute.
Banyana Banyana were on the back foot as early as kick off with keeper Thokozile Mndaweni busiest of custodians as Francisca Ordega kept her busy with 15 minutes gone only for the former to keep her at bay.
Portia Modise could have opened the scoring through a free kick in the 23rd minute but her strike went wide.
However, it was Oshoala, who courtesy of a deflected finish that came off Janine Van Wyk, to break the deadlock in the 38th minute.
That was followed by a reckless challenge on Desire Oparanozie by Van Wyk who was cautioned before Oshoala completed her brace at the stroke of halftime.
Banyana came back strong after restart in a bid to turn around their fortunes as Modise was flagged offside seven minutes into the second half.
With Falcons keeping up with their opponents resurgence, Esther Sunday was brought into fray in place of Ordega.
That did not deter Vera Pauw troops as Refiloe Jane pulled one back in the 67th minute with question marks if the goal did cross the line.
They continued to dominate the game but the former champions countered through Oshoala who failed to get support upfront as the clock wound down with less than minutes to time.
Sunday's shot in the 88th minute was not enough to ensure she inked her name in the scorers sheet but the most successful women's side managed to hold to contest for a record seventh title on Saturday against Cameroun that defeated Ivory 2-1 in the second semi finals.
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