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The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
WAFCON 2024 semifinals: Nigeria knocks South Africa out; Morocco joins Super Falcons with win on penalties
Michelle Alozie's long ball bounced into the goal in stoppage time to give Nigeria a 2-1 victory over South Africa on Tuesday and send the Super Falcons into the final at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons have won nine WAFCON titles. Disappointed by their fourth-place finish in the 2022 tournament, they dubbed their goal to win this event as 'Mission X.' Alozie, who plays in the National Women's Soccer League for the Houston Dash, sent the ball forward from distance four minutes into stoppage time. Although two teammates were in front of South Africa's net, neither of them touched the ball as it bounced into the goal. Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for Atlético Madrid, converted a penalty just before half-time to put Nigeria ahead 1-0. The Super Falcons were awarded the penalty because of a handball in the box. South Africa, the defending WAFCON champion, pulled even on Linda Motlhalo's penalty in the 60th minute. Nigeria, which had not previously conceded a goal in the tournament, routed Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals to advance. South Africa, led by coach Desiree Ellis, advanced on penalties after a scoreless draw with Senegal. There was a scary moment in the 84th minute when South Africa midfielder Gabriela Salgado went down with an injury and players from both teams frantically gestured for help. Salgado was stretchered off with her left leg heavily wrapped as her teammates sobbed. The crowd at Stade Larbi Zaouli chanted her name. Morocco sets final with Nigeria Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi blocked Comfort Yeboah's attempt as host Morocco advanced to the championship of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw with Ghana on Tuesday. Ghana took a first-half lead. Er-Rmichi got a hand on Josephine Bonsu's header, but it bounced off the post and skittered across the goal for Stella Nyamekye to push it into the net in the 26th minute. Morocco equalised in the 55th when Sakina Ouzraoui bounced a pass from her chest to her feet and scored from underneath diving Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan. ALSO READ: Why is CAF investigating Algeria at WAFCON 2024? Scoreless for the rest of regulation, the match went to extra time at Rabat's Olympic Stadium. Morocco has seen its national team rise in recent years. The team reached the WAFCON final in 2022 but fell to South Africa. Morocco also went to the Women's World Cup for the first time in 2023 and advanced to the round of 16. Morocco advanced to the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over Mali, while Ghana downed Algeria 4-2 on penalties after a scoreless draw.
San Francisco Chronicle
23-07-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Trader Joe's collabs with Bay FC on viral mini tote giveaway
Bay FC fans hoping to get their hands on Trader Joe's wildly popular mini tote bags — the same ones listed on the secondary market for as much as $49,000 online earlier this year — will soon have their chance. In a new collaboration between the women's professional soccer club and the grocery chain, ticketed attendees at Bay FC's home match on Aug. 2 against the Houston Dash will receive an exclusive, co-branded mini tote upon entry. The giveaway capitalizes on the national frenzy sparked earlier this year when Trader Joe's pastel-colored canvas totes sold out within minutes and flooded resale sites at eye-popping prices. Now, Bay FC's custom version will be offered as part of its multi-year partnership with the grocer — the company's first with a National Women's Soccer League team. 'We're thrilled to provide a fun, memorable experience for fans,' Bay FC said in its announcement last week, encouraging early arrivals for pre-match FanFest activities. These include an on-stage grocery bagging contest, a Trader Joe's-themed scavenger hunt and giveaways. While the collectible totes will be permitted at the Aug. 2 match, officials note they do not meet PayPal Park's standard bag policy and will be barred at future games.
The Star
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Hosts Morocco to take on Nigeria in African women's final
FILE PHOTO: May 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie (22) walks off the pitch during the second half against the Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images/File Photo RABAT (Reuters) -Morocco and Nigeria will meet on Saturday to decide the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after both came through gritty semi-final encounters on Tuesday. Hosts Morocco edged Ghana on penalties at Rabat's Stade Olympique while earlier Nigeria ended the reign of defending champions South Africa with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in their clash in Casablanca. Michelle Alozie's floating free kick was missed by both the onrushing Nigerian attacker and the South African goalkeeper and floated into the net for the winner four minutes into stoppage time. Rasheedat Ajibade had given nine-time winners Nigeria the lead from the penalty-spot on the stroke of halftime, before South Africa struck back with a spotkick of their own in the 60th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo. Just as it seemed extra time would be needed, Alozie floated a cross deep into the box that beat South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who was under pressure from two Nigerian forwards. Ghana had not been given much chance against Morocco, who were supported by a capacity crowd, but took a 26th-minute lead through Stella Nyameke. Morocco came back to equalise after halftime through Sakina Ouzraoui and then won 4-2 on penalties after extra and South Africa will decide third place in Casablanca on Friday with the final in Rabat on Saturday. The tournament was originally set for last year but postponed because it clashed with the women's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. The next Women's Cup of Nations is scheduled to be played in Morocco again next year. (Editing by Toby Davis)
Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Hosts Morocco to take on Nigeria in African women's final
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: May 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie (22) walks off the pitch during the second half against the Bay FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images/File Photo RABAT - Morocco and Nigeria will meet on Saturday to decide the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after both came through gritty semi-final encounters on Tuesday. Hosts Morocco edged Ghana on penalties at Rabat's Stade Olympique while earlier Nigeria ended the reign of defending champions South Africa with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in their clash in Casablanca. Michelle Alozie's floating free kick was missed by both the onrushing Nigerian attacker and the South African goalkeeper and floated into the net for the winner four minutes into stoppage time. Rasheedat Ajibade had given nine-time winners Nigeria the lead from the penalty-spot on the stroke of halftime, before South Africa struck back with a spotkick of their own in the 60th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo. Just as it seemed extra time would be needed, Alozie floated a cross deep into the box that beat South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who was under pressure from two Nigerian forwards. Ghana had not been given much chance against Morocco, who were supported by a capacity crowd, but took a 26th-minute lead through Stella Nyameke. Morocco came back to equalise after halftime through Sakina Ouzraoui and then won 4-2 on penalties after extra and South Africa will decide third place in Casablanca on Friday with the final in Rabat on Saturday. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Life Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's bat-biting frontman turned reality TV star, dies aged 76 Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The tournament was originally set for last year but postponed because it clashed with the women's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics. The next Women's Cup of Nations is scheduled to be played in Morocco again next year. REUTERS
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Alozie goal gives Nigeria 2-1 win over South Africa in Women's Africa Cup of Nations semifinals
CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Michelle Alozie's long ball bounced into the goal in stoppage time to give Nigeria a 2-1 victory over South Africa on Tuesday and send the Super Falcons into the final at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria will play the winner of the late match in Rabat between host Morocco and Ghana for the title on Saturday. The Super Falcons have won nine WAFCON titles. Disappointed by their fourth-place finish in the 2022 tournament, the Super Falcons dubbed their goal to win this event as 'Mission X.' Alozie, who plays in the National Women's Soccer League for the Houston Dash, sent the ball forward from distance four minutes into stoppage time. Although two teammates were in front South Africa's net, neither of them touched the ball as it bounced into the goal. Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for Atlético Madrid, converted a penalty just before halftime to put Nigeria ahead 1-0. The Super Falcons were awarded the penalty because of a handball in the box. South Africa, the defending WAFCON champions, pulled even on Linda Motlhalo's penalty in the 60th minute. Nigeria, which had not previously conceded a goal in the tournament, routed Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals to advance. South Africa, led by coach Desiree Ellis, advanced on penalties after a scoreless draw with Senegal. There was a scary moment in the 84th minute when South Africa midfielder Gabriela Salgado went down with an injury and players from both teams frantically gestured for help. Salgado was stretchered off with her left leg heavily wrapped as her teammates sobbed. The crowd at Stade Larbi Zaouli chanted her name. ___ AP soccer:
