Super Falcons central defender Onome Ebi has said today’s semi final clash with Bayana Bayana of South Africa is key to their hope of reclaiming the title they lost two years ago in Equatorial Guinea.

Onome, a prominent member of the team that lost to a Janine Van Wyk solitary strike at this same stage in 2012 said they would not allow the mistakes of the defeat to repeat itself in Namibia.

Onome

She said that the mistakes were actually that of poor finishing in front of goal and being complacent during the game adding that they have learned their lessons and will not allow such to happen again.

“We lost to Banyana last time because we were not able to take our chances and they took theirs and converted their only chance to win. We have learnt our lessons and that will be our guiding principle when we meet on Wednesday,” the experienced defender was quoted by the team’s media spokesperson Gracious Akujobi.

“This match means so much to us. We know a win will give us ticket to the Women’s World Cup aside from taking home the trophy, so we shall take the match as if it is the final.

“We have to revenge that loss and restore our pride as African queens. We just have to beat them to reach the final.”

She continued: “To me this is the most important game for us as a win qualifies us for the World Cup next year and it will further show we are the best in Africa. We have young and energetic players who have made Falcons a stronger team.”

Onome, who plies her trade in Belarus with FK Minsk, stated that her confidence is boosted by the calibre of strikers and the energy the young girls bring into the team adding that Banyana will no doubt be tough but that they must fall.