Soccer lovers and the media are assured a feast when Cup holders Nigeria and much-improved host nation Morocco Lock Horns within the second semi last match of the continued twelfth Ladies Africa Cup of Nations competitors in Rabat this night time.
The stage is ready for what must be an attention-grabbing, participating and thrilling encounter on the Complexe Prince Moulay Abdellah in Morocco’s administrative capital, as from 9pm, with a capability crowd anticipated to goad on the Atlas Lionesses.
An intimidating cauldron and a highly-motivated opposition are among the many challenges nine-time champions Nigeria can be up in opposition to tonight, however President of the Nigeria Soccer Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has urged the ladies to think about Nigeria and their scores of tens of millions of followers again residence after they enter the pitch in opposition to the host nation.
“The match in opposition to Morocco will probably be maybe the hardest hurdle for the Tremendous Falcons right here. Nonetheless, I’ve informed them to think about our nation and the teeming help again residence, and the Authorities that has proven them a lot love and encouragement.
“They should be dogged and exhibit as at all times, that distinctive Nigeria spirit that makes us to beat challenges, hurdles and obstacles. I’m assured that we’ll be within the Ultimate on Saturday.”
Monday night time’s spectacle will see the Falcons purpose for his or her tenth Ultimate Match of the Ladies AFCON, for the reason that competitors was launched as a biennial occasion in Nigeria 24 years in the past. They’ve by no means didn’t win a Ultimate match, and victory over Cameroon on Thursday affirmed that that they had by no means failed to succeed in the match’s final 4.
If you happen to contemplate historical past, Morocco’s Lionesses come into the sport as dwarfs beside the Tremendous Falcons. Within the opening match of the inaugural version of the Ladies AFCON, hosted by Nigeria, the Tremendous Falcons lashed the Lionesses 8-0.
The Falcons have additionally gone forward to win 9 titles in 11 finals earlier than Morocco 2022, have taken half in all editions of the FIFA Ladies’s World Cup along with taking part in in three editions of the Olympic Ladies’s Soccer Match, and have develop into a worldwide model.
Nonetheless, on the proof of their efficiency on the Aisha Buhari Ladies’s Soccer Match that Nigeria hosted in September final yr and their run at this championship, the Lionesses don’t need to be handled with child gloves.
Coach Reynald Pedros will financial institution on the deft touches and dribbling expertise of Fatima Tagnaout on the left aspect of the pitch, in addition to the brave and deadly Sanaâ Mssoudy on the fore. The Tremendous Falcons should be cautious of those two gamers particularly.
On his half, Coach Randy Waldrum might begin with an lively attacking line comprising of three-goal Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Francisca Ordega, with the nifty Present Monday additionally a risk. Christy Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Halimat Ayinde ought to retain their locations within the center, with Captain Onome Ebi main a rearguard that may protect goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Zambia’s Copper Queens will play the primary semi last on the Complexe Mohamed V in Casablanca as from 6pm, additionally on Monday.
