Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a spot in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final with a dramatic 2-1 win over South Africa, sealed by Michelle Alozie’s 94th-minute winner in Tuesday’s semifinal showdown in Casablanca.
The Falcons started strong, applying early pressure and almost taking the lead after South Africa’s goalkeeper spilled a free-kick from Alozie.
Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Bambanani Mbane was penalized for a handball while attempting to block Folashade Ijamilusi’s run in the box, handing Nigeria the breakthrough.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted the resulting penalty, giving the Falcons a 1-0 advantage at the break.
South Africa hit back in the 60th minute. Linda Motlhalo equalized from the spot after Osinachi Ohale clumsily fouled Hildah Magaia inside the box.
The goal was the first Nigeria had conceded in the tournament and shifted momentum briefly in Banyana Banyana’s favour.
Both teams pushed for a winner in a tense and physical encounter, with chances falling to Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo for Nigeria, while Jermaine Seoposenwe and substitute Noxolo Cesane posed threats for South Africa.
Read Also: CAA U-18/U-20 championships, the best platform to showcase young athletes – 9ice
Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had to stay alert, while defenders Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre made crucial interventions.
Tragedy struck in the 84th minute when South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious leg injury while contesting a set piece, leading to emotional scenes as teammates broke down in tears and even Nigerian fans joined in chanting her name in solidarity.
With extra time looming and South Africa shaken, Nigeria pressed on. A cross from Alozie, sent in from deep, created chaos in the Banyana box.
Although Deborah Abiodun didn’t make a clean connection, her presence was enough to unsettle goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Fikile Magama’s failed clearance on the goal line allowed the ball to trickle in, sealing a memorable winner for Michelle Alozie.
The win moves Nigeria a step closer to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, reasserting their dominance in African women’s football following a fourth-place finish in the 2022 edition.
Defending champions South Africa bowed out with pride, though concern lingers over Salgado’s condition after the dramatic conclusion to their campaign.
