Super Falcons will now have to play for WAFCON third place against Zambia tonight without skipper Onome Ebi, Hamilmatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade after they lost out to host Morocco on penalties despite a spirited display.
Ebi injured her hamstring in the semifinal and will be sidelined for at least two months, while Ayinde and Ajibade are suspended after they were sent off in the same game.
Both teams have been involved in well-documented controversies this past week.
For the Super Falcons, after the dramatic exit to the host nation they staged a pay strike to demand for unpaid bonuses and allowances.
Zambia were controversially eliminated in the semifinal after it was ruled that a late challenge at the edge of the box was a penalty from which South Africa scored to go through to Sunday’s Final.
Zambia coach Bruce Mwape said they have put that behind them and they now want to win the bronze.
“We have a mountain to surmount, surely, but we are ready and will approach the game like the Final match,” promised Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre.
Gift Monday and Peace Efih will now most likely start tonight against the Copper Queens.
