I don't even know how to describe the emotions running through me right now after watching those WAFCON semi-finals. Like, this tournament in Morocco has been crazy good. The drama, the skill, the fans, everything! And now the final is set, it’s Nigeria vs Morocco. Just wow.
Let me start with my own people, the Super Falcons. They really showed why they’ve won this thing so many times. The match against South Africa wasn’t just tough, it was straight-up intense. Both teams knew each other so well, and it was like watching two titans clash. The kind of match that keeps your heart beating fast the whole time.
Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up again for us, as usual. She took that penalty calmly and gave us the lead in the first half. I jumped up screaming when that ball hit the back of the net, no lie. But trust South Africa, they responded. Motlhalo scored a penalty too and that just brought more pressure.
What really touched me though was how our girls kept fighting till the very end. Just when everyone thought we were going to extra time, Michelle Alozie did her thing and sent in a cross that found its way into the net. Whether it was a fluke or not, I don’t care , it was a goal, and it sent us through!
But that match wasn’t just all happy moments. One part that really broke my heart was when South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado went down. That injury didn’t look good at all. She was clearly in so much pain, and you could see the fear on the faces of the other players. She landed badly after trying to make a play, and immediately signaled for help. When they brought the stretcher out, I honestly felt emotional. I really hope she’s okay, because no player deserves that, especially in a big tournament like this. She had been playing so well too, very sharp and smart on the ball.
Now to the second semi-final, Morocco vs Ghana.
That match too was something else entirely. I feel like the whole of Casablanca came out to watch that game. The crowd was wild, loud, and you could feel the energy right through the screen. Ghana didn’t even waste time, they started pressing Morocco from the start and it paid off when Stella got the first goal. Clean finish. At that point, I was thinking maybe Ghana might pull it off.
But Morocco didn’t give up. They kept coming and were rewarded in the second half. Ouzraou equalized and the stadium erupted. That girl has been consistent all tournament. She reads the game so well and always knows where to be.
The game stretched all the way to extra time. Both teams had chances but their finishing let them down a bit. You could see the players were tired but they still kept going. Ghana especially looked frustrated towards the end. Then it went to penalties, and that’s where Morocco showed their composure. Their keeper Rmichi was a hero. She saved one and Ghana missed another. Morocco scored all four of theirs. The final whistle blew and the place just exploded.
Now we have a final that many didn’t see coming, Nigeria vs Morocco. The hosts vs the mission X queens. It’s going to be epic. Nigeria definitely has the experience, we’ve been here many times, we know how to handle the pressure. But Morocco has the home crowd, and they’ve been riding on emotion and belief since day one.
One thing is sure, that final is going to be war. Every ball will be fought for. I just pray our girls stay focused and calm. No unnecessary red cards, no silly fouls. Morocco will try to frustrate us with their quick passes and fast wingers. But if we play smart and stick to our game, we can win this.
T
his tournament has shown me how much African women’s football has grown. From the fans to the level of play, everything has improved. The girls are giving everything on the pitch, and they deserve all the love and support. And again, I pray Gabriela Salgado recovers quickly. Football can be cruel sometimes, but we all stand with her.
Can’t wait for the final. Let’s go Super Falcons!
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