Nigeria's dreams of playing in the final of the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Women's Cup was dashed yesterday after losing to perennial rivals Ghana in penalties shoot out.

 The Super Falcons of Nigeria lost 5-4 on penalties to Ghana's Black Queens following a 1-1 draw on regulation time at the Sports Park Stadium in Abidjan.

In the opening nine minutes of the enthralling encounter, Alice Ogebe gave the Nigerian side the lead, nodding home from Rasheedat Ajibade's cross.

Their lead, however, shortlived when Belarus-based defender Faustina Ampah restored parity for the Ghanaians from a goal-mouth scramble in the area box of the opposing team.

Energized by the equaliser, Ghana soon found their feet in the game; winning the lion's share of the ball possession as they pushed for further goals.

Despite creating opening chances at both ends, the two teams failed to score; leaving the encounter to a standstill, 1-1 at half time.

Still, Nigeria and Ghana could not find a breakthrough after the second 45 minutes and the game was stretched into penalty kicks; for a winner to be determine.

Chinaza Uchendu and Mary Ologbosere missed their spot kicks as Nigeria fell short to Ghana, 5-4, despite Falcons keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saving Grace Asantewaa's effort.

In the other semifinal clash, Côte d'Ivoire remained on course to become the first nation to host and win the women's edition of the WAFU Cup with a 2-0 defeat of Mali.

Khapo Zote Nina's first half brace earned the Ivorian national side a place in the final, where they will take on Ghana for the ultimate prize.

While Nigeria and Mali square off in the third-place match on Saturday, February 24, at the Robert Champroux Stadium; same date and venue of the final match.


(Photo: Super Falcons on Twitter)

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