A 56th minute header from in-form forward Rasheedat Ajibade was enough as the Super Falcons pipped the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon 1-0 at Stade Mohammed V to not just qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco but also book one of the four automatic tickets to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Women’s World Cup is billed to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

The first half was a cagey affair from both sides but the nine-time African champions, in search of their 10th crown were the more adventurous side in the second half with Ajibade’s goal coming as a result of the team’s persistence.

The team were without influential striker, Assist Oshoala, who has been ruled out of the competition after suffering a knee injury in the country’s opening match against arch rivals South Africa – a game the Falcons lost 1-0.

The Falcons have now qualified for the semifinals of the WAFCON for the 12th time in a row while also reaching the World Cup finals for the ninth time in a row.

To win their 10th WAFCON title, the Falcons will have to beat hosts Morocco when both sides clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Monday.