By Francis Ajuonuma
Nine-woman Super Falcons yesterday failed to qualify for the final of the ongoing Women’s African Cup of Nations after losing to hosts, Atlas Lionesses of Morocco 5-4 on penalties in the semi-final.

The first half of the energy-sapping encounter ended scoreless with Nigeria enjoying more of the possession.

At the resumption of the second half, the three-time African champions were reduced to 10 players after Halimatu Ayinde was red carded for a reckless tackle on a Moroccan player.

The Super Falcons, however, shot into the lead in the 62nd minute through Uchenna Kanu, whose strike deflected off the face of a Moroccan defender to sail into the net beyond the reach of goalkeeper Errmichi Khadija. Four minutes later the Moroccans leveled the score at 1-1 via an excellent strike by Sanaa Mssoudy.

Things went from bad to worst for the Super Falcons as they were further reduced to nine players when Rasheedat Ajibade was shown the red card for a bad tackle on an opposing player leaving the Super Falcons to struggle in the remainder of the match which ended 1-1 in the regulation time.

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The extra time failed to produce any goal, taking the encounter into a penalty shootout. The Moroccans scored all their kicks, while Ifeoma Onumonu failed to convert her kick which was well saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper.

The Super Eagles will now face Shepolopolo of Zambia on Friday, July 22 in the third place match, while Morocco and Banyana Banyana of South Africa will trade tackles on Saturday, July 23 for the trophy.

Despite their failure to retain the title, the Super Falcons for reaching the last four have qualified for the 2023 FIFA Cup in Australia and New Zealand alongside Zambia, South Africa and Morocco.