The super falcons of Nigeria are out of The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after loosing out 4-5 on penalties against the atlas lioness of Morocco.
This was after playing out a 1-1 draw with hosts Morocco for over 120 minutes in the competition’s semi-final match
The Super Falcons who are 9 times winners and defending champions lost two players to red card offences for greater parts of the second half. Players Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade were sent off in the second half for rough tackles. These red cards contributed greatly to the loss of the falcons.
Halimat Ayinde was sent off barely 3 minutes into the second half by a VAR decision. The Falcons however proceeded to score just 12 minutes later after a rebound shot from substitute Uchenna Kanu was deflected by Moroccan player Yasmin Mrabet, resulting in an own goal.
The atlas Lioness of Morocco went to equalize just four minutes later when a mistake from Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie led to a goal from Moroccan player Sanaa Mssoudy.
The falcons were again reduced to nine players when a VAR decision upgraded the yellow card of Rasheedat Ajibade to a red card for malicious tackle.
The defending champions however held their own despite the pressure to drag the game into extra times and eventually penalties. The Moroccan women were however victorious after Falcons player Ifeoma Onumonu failed to convert her penalty.
Many sports people and individuals in their reactions towards the match have said the red card decisions were too harsh.
A crowd of 45,562 viewed the match in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium – a record attendance for a game on the African continent.
The super falcons will now battle Zambia for the third place, while Morocco and South Africa will challenge for the title in the WAFCON finals.