Falconets Break African Games Final Jinx

Nigeria has ended their 12-year wait for a spot in the final of the African Games after thrashing Algeria 3-0 in the semi-final in Morocco on Monday.
The Nigerian team won the competition twice but had failed to reach the final stage since 2007, when they last won in Algiers.
Having advanced to the semi-final for the third time in four attempts, the Nigerians were hoping to subdue the Desert Foxes to boost their chance to reclaim the glory on North African soil.
The Falconets started on a high as they dominated possession before Cynthia Aku opened the scoring after finishing off Monday Gift’s fine build-up in the 16th minute.
Ten minutes later, Rivers Angels’ Aku hit her brace after she again benefited from a sumptuous pass from captain Gift to double the advantage for Nigeria.
After the restart, Christopher Danjuma’s side failed to impose their dominance over Naima Laouadi’s team until substitute Zaniab Olapade added a third in additional time to wrap up the victory.
The result also means Danjuma, on his birthday, has led the nation to the final for the first time on the second attempt, after he failed to achieve the feat in Brazzaville four years ago.
In the other semi final, Cameroon beat Morocco 3-1 in the African Games second semi-final on Monday to ensure a rematch with Nigeria in the final.
The Cameroonians had advanced to the last four as runners-up in Group B, finishing behind Nigeria on goal difference, but needed extra-time to pull off an upset against the hosts.
After a goalless first half, the Moroccans, who finished top of Group B with nine points, gained the lead in the 63rd minute.
However, the Central Africans did not wait for too long as they restored parity through Engolo Takounda three minutes later.
Having forced a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Jenifer Aboudi and Flora Kameni struck in extra-time to ensure the young Lionesses reached their third consecutive final.
The result means Cameroon will take on Nigeria, who they held to a 1-1 draw in the group stage, in pursuit for glory in tomorrow’s final at the Boubker Aamar Stadium.
For Christopher Danjuma’s side, they will be eyeing their first title in 12 years and third overall, while Cameroon will be aiming for the second crown in three attempts
Today, hosts Morocco who earlier defeated Algeria 3-2, will engage in an all North African rematch in a bid for the bronze at the same venue.