Desire Oparanozie, the Nigerian striker scored the only goal against the meticulous team of South Africa to earn her side a place in the final of the African Women’s Cup of Nations against Cameroon.
South Africa started enthusiastically but the Desiree Ellis-led side failed to capitalise on their early dominance. Oparanozie and Ngozi Okobi both had chances to put seven-time champions Nigeria ahead in the 25th minute, but goalkeeper Andile Dlamini spoiled their shots. Approximately, seven minutes later, South Africa had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. However, Oparanozie put Nigeria ahead with a powerful free-kick eight minutes after the restart. Faith Ikidi was fouled in front of the South Africa box. Guingamp forward blasted the resulting free-kick past the Banyana Banyana wall. South Africa was forced to allow Nigeria to defend stoutly.
