Nine-time record continental champions, Nigeria, will take on South Africa in a much-anticipated Group C encounter that is expected to produce fireworks at the ongoing TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2022.
For many, this is the final before the final because it’s a pure clash of the titans. The two most in-form teams played in the Aisha Buhari Invitational final in September last year in Lagos, with the Banyana Banyana of South Africa stunning the Super Falcons 4-2 to lift the inaugural trophy.
The result left a bitter taste in the mouths of the continental giants who are now seeking revenge. The Super Falcons want to correct their mistakes and remind everyone why they are the number one team on the continent in the FIFA rankings.
This match is a repeat of the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final staged in Ghana were the Super Falcons won on penalties after a goalless draw.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi, said “When we saw the draw, we told ourselves that this is exactly like 2018. No team is a pushover. We have a competition to play and no team can be taken for granted”.
“We are here in the first game. It is not going to be easy. It is just like playing a final in the beginning. I like the fact that we are playing them in the first game. I think playing against them will motivate us”.
Onome Ebi
With four WAFCON titles and a record five World Cup appearances to her name, Ebi knows a thing or two about playing on the big stage. Her experience will come in handy when she comes up against the youthful reigning African Player of the Year, Kgatlana.
The Super Falcons, coached by the experienced Randy Waldrum, are a well-oiled team with experience and youthful exuberance and most importantly, a never-give-up attitude that has for decades proved why they are the best.
South Africa plotting Nigeria’s downfall
However, South Africa stands in Nigeria’s way as the Banyana Banyana seeks to finally break that jinx when it matters on the big stage – that effort starts in their opening game against the reigning champions.
At the heart of that challenge is goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who admitted that “Your first game of the tournament is always the biggest game and what makes it even bigger is that it is Nigeria, who are the defending champions. So because it is Nigeria, the game is bigger than what it is supposed to be”.
“It’s also the first game of the tournament and you want to start well. And you know, it’s going to be a tough encounter, because they are a top side. They’re not the champions of Africa for nothing.
“They’ve been consistent over the last couple of years and that is where we have to improve; to be consistent in our performances, to be able to be close enough to this, but I think it’s all about the three points. I think the three points are the most important at the moment to get the tournament off to a good start”.
Andile Dlamini
Holistically, both sides are ready for the challenge and the stage has been set for fireworks as the world waits these two giants to face off later today at 17:00 hrs GMT in Morocco.
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