Nigeria fights back to stun Morocco 3-2 and win 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Nigeria won its 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after fighting back from two goals down to beat host Morocco 3-2 in Saturday’s thrilling final.
Morocco was up 2-0 until Esther Okoronkwo led Nigeria back with a penalty and two assists in the final half hour.
The continent’s most successful national team kept intact its perfect record in the competition with its comeback victory in Rabat.
Nigeria had lost to Morocco in the semifinals of the previous edition in 2022, and the Super Falcons looked to be going down again until a handball sparked a late rally.
The Atlas Lionesses dominated the first half. Ghizlane Chebbak curled a shot from outside the box for a 13th-minute lead and 11 minutes later Sanaâ Mssoudy added a second goal.
But Okoronkwo pulled one back for Nigeria in the 64th when she converted a penalty after a video review spotted a handball in the area by Nouhaila Benzina.
Okoronkwo soon turned assist-maker to set up Folashade Ijamilusi to level it in the 71st.
Substitute Joe Echegini scored the winner in the 88th with a right-footed shot from the center of the area after a free kick by Okoronkwo.
Morocco lost the 2022 final to South Africa. Coach Jorge Vilda took over Morocco after leading Spain to the 2023 World Cup title.
On Friday, Ghana beat South Africa, the previous champion, on penalties to claim third place.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer