A solitary goal scored from the penalty spot in the dying minutes of the game helped an unconvincing South Africa keep alive their hopes of clinching a first ever Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title as they booked their place in the finale of the 2022 edition after managing to see off the challenge of a determined Zambia in the semifinal encounter played on Monday evening.Hosted at the famous Mohammed V Sports Complex in Morocco, Banyana Banyana, who had struggled to breach Zambia’s Copper Queens, were handed a lifeline in the 90+4th minute after the centre referee awarded them a controversial penalty decision following a lengthy VAR check, 24 year old Linda Motlhalo stepping up and squeezing the ball past Catherine Musonda for the match winner.FINAL STATUS: SECURED! ✅#TeamSouthAfrica seal their spot in the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 final! 👸#EmpoweringOurGame pic.twitter.com/yXhV8OX4N7— #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 (@CAFwomen) July 18, 2022 With the strike that secured the win, the Desiree Ellis currently coached side reached the WAFCON final for a fifth time after making it previously in 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018 making them the second side to reach as many cup finals behind record champions Nigeria (9).Having successfully booked their place in the finale, Banyana Banyana await the winner between hosts Morocco and Nigeria who are looking to make it ten titles to their name. Morocco however are entering new territory as they play their first-ever semi-final in the country’s third participation in the tournament.The two teams have only met twice before and both times (in the 1998 and 2000 WAFCON group stage) the Super Falcons thrashed Morocco (8-0 and 6-0).Dressing rooms are set for the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 semi-final between #TeamMorocco & #TeamNigeria!#EmpoweringOurGame pic.twitter.com/0dWcvaneHu— #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 (@CAFwomen) July 18, 2022 That match kicks off on Monday at 2300 EAT.
