One Africa, One Queen: Super Falcons Rule While Banyana Bow!
Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a giant step toward a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown with a thrilling 2–1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on Tuesday night in Casablanca, Morocco.
Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, famously nicknamed Mummy G.O. for her faith-driven persona, opened scoring from the spot in the 45th minute after a South African handball inside the box. The Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda did not hesitate to award the penalty, with able support from assistant officials Fanta Idrissa Koné (Mali) and Mariem Chedad (Mauritania).
South Africa, however, found their way back into the game after a defensive slip by Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale led to a penalty, which was calmly converted by Linda Motlhalo in the 60th minute—marking the first goal Nigeria had conceded in the tournament.
Just when the match seemed destined for penalties, a late twist arrived. Esther Okoronkwo floated in a perfect ball, which Mitchell Alozie—known for her strong World Cup showing and academic strides in the U.S.—finished with poise. A clever run by Deborah Abiodun created the distraction that unhinged South Africa’s defense and sealed the win.
This loss ended South Africa’s 12th semifinal appearance in WAFCON history—falling at that stage for the sixth time. The Banyana Banyana have reached the final six times but managed just one title win (2022).
Nigeria’s dominance in the WAFCON remains unmatched—winning the title nine times (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018). Both Nigeria and South Africa remain the only two nations to have qualified for all 12 editions since 1998.
In the journey so far, Nigeria defeated Tunisia (3–0), Botswana (1–0), and drew with Algeria in the group stage before demolishing Zambia 5–0 in the quarterfinals. South Africa overcame Ghana (2–0), drew Tanzania (1–1), and thrashed Mali (4–0), then beat Senegal via penalties after a goalless quarterfinal.
The Super Falcons now await the winner of the second semifinal between hosts Morocco and Ghana, with the final slated for Saturday, July 26, in Rabat. Meanwhile, South Africa will play in the third-place match on Friday, July 25.
Morocco, who will host the 2026 WAFCON edition, continue their streak as Africa’s new powerhouse in women’s football.
