AWCON 2018: Super Falcons win cup again

Super Falcons of Nigeria have won the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations after beating the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi’s heroics on Saturday in Accra helped the
Super Falcons of Nigeria to victory at the 11 African Women Cup of
Nations (AWCON) in Ghana. 

Super Falcons receiving the AWCON trophy the 9th time

It was however a very disappointing evening for the Banyana Banyana
of South Africa who hoped for a first title but lost 3-4 to Nigeria on
penalty kicks. 

At the Accra Sports Stadium, both sides had to endure 120 minutes of play before a winner could emerge. 

It was the first time in the tournament’s history that the final match was decided via penalties after extra time. 

Nigeria, however had an opportunity to claim the title in the 75th
minute after Francisca Ordega, who was later named Woman of the Match
was fouled in the penalty area.

 Asisat Oshoala stepped forward to take the penalty kick, but she
slipped and could not utilise the opportunity given, thus allowing the
game to extend to extra time. 

However, the very resilient Banyana Banyana hoped and did a lot for a win, but they always found confident Oluehi an obstacle.

 In the end, Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Ebere, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Chinaza
Uchendu all contributed to Nigeria’s victory through their successful
penalty kicks, after Onome Ebi’s miss. 

Alice Matlou, Nompumelelo Nyandeni and Mamello Makhabane scored for
South Africa, while Lebohang Ramalepe and Linda Motlhalo missed their
kicks. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Thembi Kgatlana of
South Africa won the competition’s highest goal scorer with five goals
to her credit. 

Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon are by their success as the
competition’s best three, the Africa’s flagbearers at the 2019 FIFA Women’s
World Cup in France.