Football
ESPN staff 5y

Nigeria edge South Africa for 11th African women's title

Nigeria needed penalties to claim the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations championship over South Africa, after the match ended 0-0 on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was the hero of the day, saving Houston Dash midfielder Linda Motlhalo's effort from the spot to hand her side the trophy in Accra, Ghana.

The Super Falcons did have a chance to seal the title in regulation time, but former Arsenal striker Assisat Oshoala sent her penalty attempt wide of goal in the 75th minute.

The triumph gives Nigeria 11 titles in the 13 editions of the competition and two straight. The only team to break the Nigerians' streak was Equatorial Guinea, who have won both titles not belonging to the Super Falcons.

South Africa captain Janine van Wyk tweeted afterwards how proud she was of her team despite the defeat, after they achieved their main objective of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

"All I can say is I am so EXTREMELY PROUD of every team member. We have fought like WARRIORS throughout this tournament," she wrote.

"Unfortunately we lossed on Penalties which could've gone either way. We came here with a goal to achieve & I can proudly say we have accomplished it!"

Aside from Nigeria and South Africa, the final World Cup place went to Cameroon, who finished third.

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