Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a tense 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa in Casablanca.
However, former Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk believes the outcome was significantly influenced by an unfortunate injury to South African defender Gabriela Salgado during the second half.
The match, filled with drama and intensity, saw Nigeria draw first blood through Rasheedat Ajibade’s first-half penalty.
South Africa responded in the 60th minute when Linda Motlhalo converted from the spot after a VAR review awarded a penalty for a foul on Jermaine Seoposenwe.
Just when South Africa appeared to be gaining momentum, Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious knee injury during a challenge in the 72nd minute and was stretchered off in tears.
The incident seemed to shift the emotional tone of the game. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Houston Dash forward, Michelle Alozie launched a thunderous 25-yard strike into the top corner, sending Nigeria into wild celebrations and breaking South African hearts.
Van Wyk: “It Unsettled the Momentum”
Former South Africa captain Janine van Wyk, speaking in a post-match reaction, expressed that the injury to Salgado disrupted the Banyana Banyana rhythm just when they were gaining the upper hand.
“Yeah, a very unfortunate incident that happened with Gabby Salgado,” Van Wyk said.
“You could see immediately when it happened, the girls just scattered with emotions and tears which unsettled the momentum of the team that I think they were on the front foot in that moment, creating chances, and then that happened.”
“So it can automatically, you know, destabilize everything.”
“And unfortunately, the result shows against South Africa and not through to the final. So yeah, heartbreaking all around, disappointing result, disappointing incident. And yeah, speedy recovery for Gabby.”
Super Falcons Players Visit Injured Gabriela
Banyana Banyana right-back, Lebohang Ramalepe also weighed in after the match, commending the Nigerian players for their sportsmanship and humanity following the distressing incident.
After the match, representatives of the Falcons visited the injured player to show support and wish her a quick recovery.
“It’s team spirit. I think after all we are friends, so in the field of play we just have to fight against each other,” Ramalepe said.
“We know when something like that happens we just have to be there for one another. So I think what they did was really great.”
In the immediate aftermath of the injury, Super Falcons players were seen consoling their South African counterparts, while Nigerian captain called on the medics and urged calm around the incident.
Nigeria Eyes 10th WAFCON Title
With the dramatic victory, the Super Falcons move within one win of securing a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown. The final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be held on Saturday, where the Falcons will face host nation Morocco in Rabbat.
Nigeria will be aiming to defend and continue their reign as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
