South Africa head coach, Desiree Ellis has paid tribute to her team’s fearless display against Nigeria where they eventually lost 2-1 to the Super Falcons in the semi-final of the 2024 WAFCON.
The intense clash at Stade Mohamed V on Tuesday night ended in heartbreak for the reigning champions, South Africa, as Nigeria advanced to yet another final courtesy of Michelle Alozie’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.
“We Gave As Good As They Gave” – Ellis on Banyana’s Display
Speaking after the match, a visibly emotional Ellis heaped praise on her players, insisting they matched Nigeria in every aspect of the game and had moments when they controlled the match.
“We didn’t look like a team that went 120. We went toe-to-toe. We gave as good as they gave.”
“And the way when we moved the ball around, I thought it was pure joy. We had them chasing shadows. And I don’t think we deserve to lose, but we didn’t take our chances.”
“If we had taken our chances, I think we could be speaking differently now. But unfortunately, they got the two goals and that’s what it’s about. If you score more than the other team, you get the two goals.”
“I Was a Mother in That Moment” – Emotional Fallout After Salgado Injury
The match took a heartbreaking turn in the 84th minute when South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado suffered a horrific leg injury after a collision with a Nigerian defender. Her leg bent unnaturally beneath her, sending shockwaves through both teams.
Players visibly broke down, Ashleigh Plumptre covered her face, Karabo Dhlamini dropped to her knees in prayer, and a distraught Linda Motlhalo ran straight into Ellis’s arms, seeking comfort.
“[In that moment], I was a mother, just trying to say to [Linda] to stay calm, to do it for Gabby, that was the talk—just to do it for Gabby, get over the line for her.”
“That’s what it was all about in the moment, because we were just thinking about Gabby, trying to stay calm, stay cool, but it was hard to do so, because a lot of them broke down, some were still crying, and that’s what got to them,” Ellis told ESPN after the match.
Ellis, who has coached Banyana Banyana for nine years and handed international debuts to both Salgado and Motlhalo, said the team’s tight bond was deeply affected by the trauma.
Losing Composure at a Crucial Moment
Before the incident, South Africa had drawn level through Linda Motlhalo’s penalty, cancelling out Rasheedat Ajibade’s first-half spot-kick. Momentum had swung their way until the injury altered the emotional and tactical balance.
“After the injury, it took us a while to get going, and we conceded at the time when we conceded because of this,” Ellis said.
“We gave as good as we got, matched them pound for pound, but it impacted us in the last couple of minutes when Gabriela got injured.”
“I can’t blame anyone for that goal. When the cross comes in, we’re not sure if someone will get on it, don’t know if someone will get a touch, a flick.”
“[Goalkeeper Dlamini] can’t decide if to go or stay. If there’s one slight touch it goes past you. She held on, and the ball skidded past her, unfortunately.”
“We’ll Do It for Gabriela” – Eyes Now on Bronze
While South Africa’s title defense is over, Ellis emphasized that her team still has something to fight for in the third-place playoff—not just a medal, but pride and solidarity for their injured teammate.
“Of course, there’s disappointment not getting to a final, but we have something to play for which is important now, not just the medal, but saying we’ll do it for Gabriela, and ensuring she has a medal.”
“But I’m really proud of this team. After that injury, I think it took us a while to get going again. And I think maybe that’s the reason why we conceded at the time we conceded but a big ups to Nigeria. They also kept going and good luck to them.”
South Africa will now prepare for the third-place match agaisnt Ghana who lost to Morocco in the lther semifianl fixture.
The Banyana Banyana will aim to secure bronze and end their campaign on a high. Nigeria, meanwhile, will face hosts Morocco in the final as they chase their 10th continental crown.
