Banyana Banyana and The Atlas Lionesses Progress to AWCON Final

South Africa and 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations hosts Morocco progressed to the final of the continental football showpiece after victories over Zambia and Nigeria, respectively on Monday, 18 July.

In the first semi-final, a stoppage-time penalty converted by Linda Motlhalo helped Banyana Banyana reach the final round of the competition.

It was a game of two halves with Zambia taking control of the first half and South Africa also taking charge after the break in the COSAFA derby.

The moment that changed the game was in the additional minutes after a foul on Jermaine Seoposenwe was reviewed by the VAR.

South Africa were awarded a penalty after the VAR check and midfielder Motlhalo stepped up to get the ball behind the back of the net to send Desiree Ellis’ charges through.

Morocco Stun Defending Champions Nigeria

The hosts stunned ten-woman Nigeria 5-4 on penalties to book their place in the final for the first time in their history.

The Atlas Lionesses reached the final after beating the Super Falcons in a post-match penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra-time in the enthralling semi-final match in Rabat.

Morocco scored all five of their shootouts with Yasmin Katie Mrabet, Ghizlain Chebbak, Zineb Redouani, Nesryne El Chad and Rosella Annie Ayane getting on the scoresheet.

Experienced midfielder Rita Chikwelu scored the first kick for the Super Falcons and was followed by the miss by Ifeoma Onumonu.

Otu Obianang, Plumptre Ashleigh Megan and Gift Monday converted their kicks perfectly but it was not enough as the holders crashed out.

Results: 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations on Monday, 18 July

Semi-Final 1

Zambia 0-1 South Africa

Semi-Final 2

Morocco 1 (5) – 1 (4) Nigeria

Fixtures: 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations

3rd/4th Place Playoff on Friday, 22 July

22h00: Nigeria vs Zambia

Final

22h00: Morocco vs South Africa

Photo 1 Caption: South Africa progressed to the final of the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Zambia on Monday, 18 July. Photo: CAFWomen (Twitter)