Nigeria female heroes, the Super Falcons over-ran the South African Bayana Bayana by 2-1 in the first semifinal of the Africa Women’s Championship, staged at Sam Nujoma stadium today. The Falcons have thus cruised into final and book a ticket for the upcoming 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada.
The South African team was on the back foot as early as kick off time just as keeper Thokozile Mndaweni was kept on her toes by Francisca Ordega.
Portia Modise could have opened the scoring through a free kick in the 23rd minute but her strike went wide.
However, it was Asisat Oshoala 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 Oparamozie by Van Wyk who was cautioned before Oshoala completed her brace at the stroke of halftime.
Bayana 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 continue 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 score sheet but the the most successful women’s side managed to hold to contest for a record seventh title. [myad]
