Super Falcons: Talk and do! Madugu ends South Africa's record as promised

Coach Justin Madugu has justified the confidence he had in his team and preparation methods after the Super Falcons beat South Africa 2-1 to advance into the WAFCON final. 

Bayana Bayana had the longest active unbeaten run in open play at WAFCON tournaments, with their last defeat coming in 2016, against Ghana. Much was made of the run, but Madugu was confident his team would triumph—he has been proven right. 

The Super Falcons began the match with intent and came close to scoring early, but the Southern Africans held on and soon began creating chances of their own.

The nine-time champions got the opener just before halftime from a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty after a South African defender had handled the ball in the box. 

Bayana Bayana had a spotkick of their own when Osinachi Ohale committed a poor foul in the box. Linda Molthalo stepped up and restored parity on the hour mark. 

Madugu’s side have a flair for the dramatic, leaving it late to score the winner thanks to a stunning Michelle Alozie strike from range. 

The Super Falcons held the record for the most games in the WAFCON without losing in regulation time (16), and Bayana Bayana threatened that record, as avoiding defeat to Madugu's side would see them go 15 games unbeaten. 

While the 61-year-old maintained respect for South Africa, praising their quality, he was unflinching in his trust for his team ahead of the match. 

“Yes, South Africa have not lost a game within regulation time since 2018. But records are meant to be broken. No matter how long it takes, one day it will be broken. And we are hoping that by tomorrow, by the grace of God, that record will no longer exist.”

Nigeria await their opponent in the final, as the second semi-final between Ghana and Morocco has yet to kick off.