In a pulsating semifinal clash under the lights of the Larbi Zaouli stadium, star girl Michelle Alozie delivered a thunderous 94th-minute strike to send Nigeria’s Super Falcons into the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa.
The Houston Dash striker’s long-range winner sparked wild celebrations as Nigeria took one step closer to a record-extending 12th WAFCON title, dethroning a Banyana Banyana side who were left heartbroken, not just by the defeat, but also by a serious injury to Gabriela Salgado in the dying minutes.
Ajibade and Motlhalo Trade Penalties in Fierce Contest
Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, once again named Player of the Match, opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, converting a penalty after Bambanani Mbane was penalized for handling the ball while attempting to block Folashade Ijamilusi in the box.
South Africa responded with a spot-kick of their own in the 60th minute. Linda Motlhalo, who has a rollercoaster history from the spot for Banyana, sent Chiamaka Nnadozie the wrong way after Osinachi Ohale brought down Hildah Magaia in the area, a rare error from the veteran Nigerian defender.
South Africa’s Salgado Injury Casts Shadow
The emotional climax of the game wasn’t only on the scoreboard. In the 84th minute, Gabriela Salgado, one of Banyana’s bright sparks throughout the night suffered a serious leg injury while contesting an aerial ball.
Her teammates were visibly shaken as Linda Motlhalo ran sobbing into coach Desiree Ellis’s arms, while Karabo Dhlamini dropped to her knees.
Even Nigerian fans in the stands joined in chanting Salgado’s name in support.
As she was stretchered off, goalscorer Alozie approached to offer comfort, embracing the stricken player before returning to action.
Michelle Alozie Delivers the Final Blow
With both sides pushing for a late winner and penalties looming, Alozie produced the moment of the match and perhaps of the tournament in the fourth minute of added time.
After Banyana failed to fully clear their lines, the US-born forward whipped in a hopeful cross-turned-shot from deep that eluded Andile Dlamini, possibly aided by a slight touch or distraction from substitute Deborah Abiodun.
The ball squirmed over the line despite Fikile Magama’s desperate attempt to clear.
Super Falcons Eye 12th Title as South Africa Bow Out
The result hands a revenge win for the Super Falcons, who finished fourth in 2022 and watched South Africa lift a trophy Nigeria had long considered their own.
For Banyana Banyana, the focus now shifts to recovery as the defending champions will now battle Ghana for third place and bronze medal.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will march into the final against host nation, Morocco to rewrite WAFCON history.
Match Summary:
The Super Falcons will now prepare for Sunday’s final, where they will face Morocco, who won in the second semifinal against Ghana.
Nigeria’s quest for a 12th continental crown and Mission X is well and truly alive.
