Morocco's Mssoudy Sanaa celebrates after scoring the leveler against Nigeria in the semi-final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Photo | Twitter (EnMaroc)
Nigeria lost to host Morocco in the semi-final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Morocco progressed 5-4 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after extra time, both goals were scored in the second half of regular time.
The Nigerians were reduced to 9 players after red cards to Halimatu Ayinde (48′) and Rasheedat Ajibade (71′).
But it was the Super Falcons who opened scoring in the encounter, an own goal in the 62nd minute by Yasmin Mrabet put the holders ahead, however the lead lasted only two minutes as Mssoudy Sanaa punished goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie for spilling an attempted save.
The game dragged into extra time, but neither side scored again and the encounter went into penalties.
A poorly taken penalty by Nigeria’s Forward, Ifeoma Onumonu’s kick was saved and Rosella Ayane converted the final kick for Morocco to send them into their first ever WAFCON final.
Meanwhile, it is only the their time in the competition’s history Nigeria have failed to reach the final.
A new African champion will emerge after three editions – all won by the Super Falcons – when Morocco face South Africa in the final on July 23.
The Third place play-off match between Nigeria and Zambia holds July 22 at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
