WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons Crush Zambia 5-0, Edge Out Banyana Banyana 2-1 to Reach Final

By Emmanuel Kwada

The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco reached a thrilling climax in the semi-finals as Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. This win, following their commanding 5-0 quarter-final rout of Zambia’s Copper Queens, propels Nigeria into the WAFCON final, setting the stage for a shot at a record-extending 10th title.

In the quarter-finals, the Super Falcons showcased their championship pedigree with a scintillating 5-0 demolition of Zambia. From the opening whistle, Nigeria’s attacking prowess was on full display, blending clinical finishing with relentless pressure. Forward Esther Okoronkwo was a standout, scoring one goal and adding an assist to her tournament-leading tally of four assists.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, a talismanic figure for Nigeria, delivered another masterful performance, netting a goal and earning her second Woman of the Match award in four games.

We’re in the final, baby! 💃🏾

One step closer to the crown, Mission X is ALIVE!#NGARSA #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/YMQsW8dflU

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 22, 2025

Chinwe Ihezuo led the line with poise, scoring one of the five goals to bring her tournament tally to three, solidifying her position as Nigeria’s top scorer in Morocco. The Super Falcons’ attack was complemented by a rock-solid defense, anchored by veteran Osinachi Ohale and supported by dynamic fullbacks Michelle Alozie and Ashley Plumptre. The team’s backline remained impenetrable, securing a fourth consecutive clean sheet and underscoring their status as the tournament’s defensive juggernaut.

The semi-final clash against South Africa was billed as a blockbuster, reigniting one of African football’s fiercest rivalries. The two sides have met 24 times across all competitions, with Nigeria historically dominant, holding 15 wins, four losses, and five draws. In WAFCON alone, the Super Falcons had won eight of 10 previous encounters, but South Africa’s victories in the 2018 group stage and the 2022 tournament signaled their growing threat.

South Africa, the reigning champions, earned their semi-final spot with a gritty 4-1 penalty shootout win over Senegal

South Africa, the reigning champions, earned their semi-final spot with a gritty 4-1 penalty shootout win over Senegal after 120 minutes of scoreless football. Despite missing star forward Thembi Kgatlana, Banyana Banyana relied on the brilliance of Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe to keep their title defense alive. Magaia, the hero of South Africa’s 2022 WAFCON triumph with two goals in the final, was yet to score in Morocco but remained a constant danger.

The semi-final lived up to its billing as a tense, tactical battle. Nigeria struck first through Chinwe Ihezuo, whose clinical finishing broke the deadlock in the first half. Rasheedat Ajibade doubled the lead after the break, capitalizing on a precise through-ball from Okoronkwo to slot past South Africa’s goalkeeper. Banyana Banyana responded late with a goal from Hildah Magaia, who finally found her scoring touch, but Nigeria’s defense, led by Ohale, Alozie, and Plumptre, held firm to secure a 2-1 victory.

Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade in action. 

Nigeria’s success stemmed from their balanced approach. The attacking trio of Ajibade, Ihezuo, and Okoronkwo overwhelmed South Africa’s defense, with Ajibade’s leadership and Ihezuo’s clinical finishing proving decisive. Okoronkwo’s creativity was a constant threat, while the defensive unit’s discipline ensured Nigeria maintained control under pressure.

South Africa, under coach Desiree Ellis, showed resilience but struggled to break through Nigeria’s backline consistently. Magaia’s late goal highlighted her ability to deliver in big moments, but Seoposenwe and Ramalepe found limited space against Nigeria’s organized defense. Ellis’s tactical adjustments kept the game competitive, but Nigeria’s experience and depth ultimately prevailed.

Super Falcons celebrating 5 : 0 win over Zambia

The Nigeria-South Africa rivalry is one of African football’s most storied, with this semi-final adding another thrilling chapter. For Nigeria, the win keeps alive their pursuit of “Mission X”—a 10th WAFCON title that would further cement their dominance. For South Africa, the defeat ends their bid for a third consecutive final, though their performance underscored their emergence as a continental powerhouse.

The win keeps alive their pursuit of “Mission X”—a 10th WAFCON title that would further cement their dominance

With this victory, the Super Falcons advance to the WAFCON 2024 final on Saturday, July 26, 2025, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final. Buoyed by their dominant performances, attacking firepower, and unbreakable defense, Nigeria are favorites to reclaim the continental crown. The team’s blend of experience, youth, and determination positions them as a formidable force in their quest for history.

As African football fans celebrate this epic semi-final, the Super Falcons’ triumph over Banyana Banyana sets the stage for a dramatic WAFCON 2024 final. With national pride and a 10th title at stake, Nigeria’s journey in Morocco promises to conclude with a spectacle of skill, passion, and legacy-defining glory.

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