CHAMPIONS! Super Falcons beat S’Africa on penalties to retain AWCON title

The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated the Banyana Banyana of South Africa on penalties to successfully defend their Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) title in Ghana on Saturday.

Both sides had played in the the group phase of the competition, with South Africa coming out on top and have stayed unbeaten on their way to the final.

The South Africans were gunning for their first AWCON title in history, but their efforts proved abortive throughout the thrilling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Nigeria also missed several chances in regular time and in extra time, with striker Asisat Oshoala failing to convert a penalty that could have handed them the win in the 78th minute.

The match ended goalless and the Falcons kick-started the shootouts with an Onome Ebi miss, but came from behind to win 4-3 as goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi saved the second and final spot-kicks from Banyana.

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The triumph means the Falcons have won the title a total of nine (9) times out of the eleven (11) editions, and a third time consecutively.

They won the championship in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and now in 2018.

Super Falcons midfielder, Francisca Ordega was crowned the woman of the match, while South Africa’s Chrestina Thembi Kgatlana, who is also the tournament’s highest goalscorer, was crowned as the best player of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon – the three best teams at the tournament – will represent Africa in the 2019 FIFA WOmen’s World Cup billed to hold in France.

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