Super Falcons Crash Out Of 2022 WAFCON To Host Country Morocco Via Penalty Shootout.
The Atlas Lionesses dashed the Super Falcons' hopes of winning a record tenth continental championship.
Despite both nations having already secured qualification for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup, Nigeria was on the verge of winning a tenth WAFCON championship, but they had two obstacles to overcome.
Nigeria's Super Falcons were eliminated from the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout 5-4 in the semifinals at on Monday night.
A whole 45,562 fans gathered inside the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, making it a record largest attendance for an Africa women football.
Following their 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Cameroon, they scheduled a meeting with the host nation, Morocco.
With opportunities falling to both sides, the game was well matched from the outset. However, they managed to hold on for a scoreless draw at halftime.
READ MORE: Super Falcons Of Nigeria Sail Past Cameroon And Advance To 2022 WAFCON Semis And The FIFA World Cup.
The second half is when the drama began. Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was dismissed in the 48th minute. Following a VAR review, the Eskilstuna midfielder stamped on a Moroccan player received her marching orders.
Even yet, the game became more competitive as early golden opportunities went to both sides.
Despite the disadvantage, the Super Falcons quickly seized the initiative. Ifeoma Onumonu completed with a powerful header that hit the post after Rasheedat Ajibade made a terrific run into the Moroccan area.
Although Yasmin Mrabet scored an own goal to give the Super Falcons the lead after 62 minutes, Uchenna Kanu increased pressure and pounced on the rebound.
Four minutes later, unfortunately, Nigeria was on the receiving end.
Goalkeeper Nnadozie mishandled a low cross that Moroccan forward Ayane swung in while attempting to intercept it. Sanaa Mssoudy had to tuck the ball in while going unnoticed.
The Super Falcons' problems was made worse when star forward Ajibade received a straight red card in the 70th min for an ineffective tackle as well, leaving the one-time Africa champions with 9 women on the pitch.
Super Falcons showed their worth by defending excellently well and holding the host nation to a 1-1 draw at full-time.
Morocco put attack after attack on the Super Falcons during 30 minutes extra time. But Nigeria resisted all of the attacks that were made against them.
Monday Gift's powerful shot nearly gave Nigeria the victory, but it smacked the crossbar, as the Super Falcons forced the game into penalties.
All five of the Atlas Lionesses' penalty kicks were successful. Onumonu's attempt was saved, however, as Nigeria missed one of their penalties, as it eended 5-4 in the final score.
Morocco progress to the final the very first time, and would face South Africa in the final on Saturday, 23 July.
The Banyana Banyana defeated Zambia 1-0 in the other semi-final game played earlier in the day, courtesy of a late dramatic penalty goal from Linda Motlhalo.
The third-place matchup will feature Zambia and the Super Falcons on Friday, 22 July.
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