Monday July 18 || Semi-finals Results
✓ South Africa 1-0 Zambia
✓ Morocco (5) 1-1 (4) Nigeria
Morocco sealed a spot in the finals of the 2022 WAFCON after erasing 11-time champions Nigeria in a 5-4 penalty shootout in Rabat.
Normal time ended in a one-all draw before they played to a goalless extra time.
Even with two players less, Nigeria looked strong and firm into the game. Not until forward Ifeoma Onumonu’s penalty was saved by Moroccan custodian Khadija Er-Rmichi.
The hardfought victory sends Morocco in the final to play against South Africa on Saturday July 23. Both side will be seeking for their maiden title in this competition.
Nigeria received two reds at the start of second stanza and that forced them to play nine for over 50 minutes.
The first chance of the game fell to Nigeria after a fumble in Morocco’s defence before Er-Rmichi’s rush clearance.
The lose ball fell to Christy Ucheibe but her final touch was far from required.
Moments later, Halimatu Ayide was shown matching orders after a scaring stamp on Rosella Ayane’s ankle.
Two minutes after the hour mark, Nigeria surprisingly took the lead.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross was headed onto the post onto Onumonu before defender Hanane Ait El Haj scored into her own net.
That lasted for four minutes after Sanaa Mssoudy turned home Ayane’s low cross to level matters and regain the hosts’ hope.
In the 71st minute, Rasheedat Ajibade was sent off after a nasty tackle and this added salt to Nigeria’s wounds.
Morocco skipper Ghizlane Chebbak nearly burried the game in injury-time but her effort went wide.
In the other game, Linda Motlhalo sent Banyana Banyana in the last game of the tournament after converting a late penalty against Zambia.
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