Michelle Alozie scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send the Super Falcons into the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on Tuesday, July 22.
With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Alozie floated in a long cross in the 94th minute that caught the South African goalkeeper off guard and bounced straight into the net, sealing the win in sensational fashion.
Rasheedat Ajibade had earlier given Nigeria the lead in the 44th minute from the penalty spot after a South African defender handled a cross by Folashade Ijamilusi. South Africa equalised in the 59th minute through Linda Motlhalo, who converted from the spot after Osinachi Ohale conceded a penalty.
The Super Falcons now reach their first WAFCON final since 2018, where they clinched their ninth title. They will face either hosts Morocco or Ghana’s Black Queens in the final on Saturday, July 26.
Despite South Africa dominating possession with 55% to Nigeria’s 45%, the Falcons were more clinical in front of goal, registering seven shots on target compared to South Africa’s three. South Africa also had a higher pass accuracy (73%) than Nigeria (66%).
Nigeria threatened early, nearly scoring just two minutes in when South Africa’s keeper Andile Dlamini fumbled a long ball but quickly recovered. Esther Okoronkwo came close in the 15th minute, her effort stopped by Dlamini’s outstretched legs, with Chiwendu Ihezuo’s follow-up cleared off the line.
South Africa had their moments too. In the 18th minute, Jermaine Seoposenwe’s shot was comfortably collected by Nigeria’s keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie. Two minutes later, South Africa suffered an early blow as defender Tiisetso Makhubela was forced off due to injury.
Bambani Mbane set up Hildah Magaia with a long ball just before halftime, but the striker’s shot went wide.
South Africa pressed harder in the second half, but Nigeria’s defense stood firm. They nearly took the lead in the 72nd minute, but Ohale cleared a goal-bound strike off the line.
Tensions rose late in the game when South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious leg injury and had to be stretchered off.Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Alozie produced the game-winning moment, floating a hopeful cross that turned into a stunning winner.
The Super Falcons march on, one win away from a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
