A battle of immense proportion, and old rivalries rekindled, as the Super Falcons of Nigeria took on the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the semi-final of the Women's African Cup of Nations.
The South Africans hoped to retain the title they won in 2022, and the Falcons looked to dethrone them, as they hunt for a historic 10th WAFCON title.
Two sides with two seemingly different dreams, but the same aim!
It was an unchanged lineup for the Super Falcons, as Justin Madugu retained the team that thrashed Zambia five-nil in the Quarter finals.
The Falcons started out on the front foot, just in the opening seconds, as Michelle Alozie swung a brilliant ball into the box which goalkeeper Dlamini spilled, but did well to recover.
Just three minutes later, Rasheedat Ajibade played another fine cross into the box, and Esther Okworonkwo took it down beautifully, laying it off for Jennifer Echegini, but she fired just inches wide.
The Nine-time African Champions continued to pile the pressure!
Another long ball over the top, this time from Ashleigh Plumptre for Chiwendu Ihezuo, who forces a brilliant save from Dlamini.
Just seconds after, the Falcons once again came forward, through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okworonkwo took a strike on goal, but Dlamini got down quickly. The rebound was struck on target by Ihezuo, but it was cleared off the line!
Just on the stroke of halftime, the Falcons took the lead!
Captain on the evening, Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up, and scored from the penalty spot, after the South Africans had conceded a hand ball, to give the Falcons the lead.
It soon ended one-nil to the Super Falcons, at HalfTime!
Minutes into the second half, Michelle Alozie tried a long ball for Esther Okworonkwo, but Dlamini was on hand to claim.
South Africa soon got a penalty of their own, as Osinachi Ohale pulled back Karabo Dlamini who tried to make a run into the box, and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
Linda Motlhalo stepped up, and sent Chiamaka Nnadozie to restore hope for the South Africans.
Jennifer Echegini saw her game short-lived, as she was withdrawn for Christy Ucheibe after suffering an injury in the 63rd minute of play.
The Banyana Banyana almost turned the game on it's head, as Cesane tried to squeeze the ball in after a well-lofted cross into the box, but Osinachi Ohale ensured it didn't cross the line.
Halimatu Ayinde saw the first yellow card of the game, and as such was replaced by midfielder Deborah for the final ten minutes.
It was a scary moment in the 86th minute, as Gabriel Solgado sustained a horror injury, and had to be stretchered off, after what looked like a major leg injury.
The 90 minutes were soon up, and six minutes added!
It looked like it was to be a goalless draw after regulation time, but the Falcons said NO!
Michelle Alozie tried an audacious effort from few meters away from the halfway line, and it went all the way in, even as Deborah Abiodun tried to latch onto it.
Michelle Dlamini was well beaten, and the Falcons, with one leg in the final!
Coach Justin Madugu made his final change of the game, bringing on Nasarawa Amazons defender Sikiratu Isah, for Chiwendu Ihezuo as he looked to finish off the game on a strong note.
Seconds later, it was Fulltime in Casablanca!!
The Falcons were through to the final of the 2024 Women's African Cup of Nations.
Just one step left, one final dance, and they would shake hands with glory.
The race for the 10th WAFCON title is well and truly ON!