Brazil’s women national team has defeated Colombia to retain their crown as the champions of South America, but the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain the undisputed queens of women’s comtinental football.
Early on Sunday morning in Quito, Brazil edged Colombia in a dramatic Copa America final, winning 5-4 on penalties after a pulsating 4-4 draw over 120 minutes.
The victory gave Brazil their ninth Copa America Femenina title, a record in South America.
However, they still remain one title short of Nigeria’s unmatched 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crowns — a world record for most continental championships won by a national team in women’s football.
The Super Falcons’ historic tenth WAFCON title was sealed in style last month when they overcame a spirited Morocco side 3-2 in a dramatic final.
Nigeria’s path to the trophy included victories over Tunisia, Botswana, Zambia, defending champions South Africa in the semi-final, and hosts Morocco in the final.
Nigeria’s first WAFCON title came in 1998. Since then, they have won 10 of the 13 editions, firmly establishing their legacy. The USA and China, the most successful teams in their respective regions, each have nine titles — making Nigeria the sole leaders on the global stage in terms of continental dominance.
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Copa America final: Brazil battle Colombia to the end
Brazil’s hard-fought win over Colombia was worthy of its place in football folklore.
The final was a roller-coaster. Colombia took the lead three times, only for Brazil to respond each time. Linda Caicedo opened the scoring for Colombia in the 25th minute before Brazil equalised through Angelina’s penalty just before half-time.
An own goal by Brazilian defender Tarciane gave Colombia the lead again in the 69th minute, but Amanda Gutierres drew Brazil level with a brilliant strike ten minutes from time.
Colombia’s Mayra Ramirez restored her side’s advantage once again in the 88th minute, but legendary forward Marta, introduced as a substitute, produced a moment of magic in the 96th minute to force extra time.
Marta then gave Brazil the lead in the 105th minute, only for Colombia to equalise through a sensational free-kick by Leicy Santos. With the score locked at 4-4 after extra time, the final went to penalties.
The shootout delivered even more drama. Marta missed a chance to seal the title for Brazil during sudden death, but goalkeeper Lorena’s heroics and Jorelyn Carabalí’s miss handed the Seleção the title.
But despite the drama and glory of Brazil’s ninth continental crown, the world’s highest perch still belongs to the Super Falcons.