Falcons qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics after goalless draw with S’Africa
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the women’s football event of the 2024 Olympics in Paris after playing a goalless draw with South Africa at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on Tuesday.
Taking a 1-0 lead into the encounter, from the first leg in Abuja on Friday, the Falcons, who have never lost on South African soil, knew they must avoid a defeat to end their 16-year wait and they did just that to silence the home crowd.
The qualification means the 11-time African champions will participate at the Olympics for the first time since Beijing 2008.
American coach Randy Waldrum kept faith with the same players that earned the victory at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja five days ago.
Trying to make their home advantage count, Banyana Banyana piled pressure on the Falcons in the opening minutes as they tried to level the aggregate from the blast of the whistle.
Unperturbed by the African champions’ early pressure, the Falcons held their ground as they began to string passes and were almost rewarded with a goal four minutes into the encounter.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade dribbled past her marker before floating a fine cross into the South Africans’ area but Chinwendu Ihezuo headed straight at Kaylin Swart, in goal for the hosts.
The first 45 minute was all about the Falcons as they created a series of chances to extend their lead.
