Nigeria’s Super Falcons sealed their place in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after a pulsating 2-1 victory over arch-rivals South Africa, with Michelle Alozie netting a sensational 94th-minute winner in Casablanca on Tuesday night.
The tense semifinal clash saw Nigeria start brightly, pressing high and forcing the defending champions into early mistakes. The Falcons almost struck first when Alozie’s freekick was spilled by the South African keeper, but they had to wait until just before the break for the breakthrough.
After relentless pressure, Bambanani Mbane was penalized for a handball that denied Folashade Ijamilusi a clear shot on goal. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up confidently and converted the penalty to put Nigeria 1-0 ahead.
South Africa, however, were far from done. The defending champions drew level in the 60th minute when Linda Motlhalo calmly slotted home a penalty after a clumsy challenge by Osinachi Ohale on Hildah Magaia.
The equaliser Nigeria’s first goal conceded all tournament turned the game into a fierce contest. Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo all came close for Nigeria, while Jermaine Seoposenwe and Noxolo Cesane threatened to snatch a winner for Banyana Banyana.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced vital saves and defenders Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre stood tall to keep South Africa at bay.
The tie took a heartbreaking turn in the 84th minute when South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious leg injury during a set-piece scramble. The sight left her teammates in tears and prompted an emotional show of support as Nigerian fans chanted her name in a rare moment of unity.
With extra time looming, the Super Falcons refused to settle. Deep into stoppage time, Alozie launched a hopeful cross into the Banyana box. The delivery caused panic as substitute Deborah Abiodun pressured Andile Dlamini, forcing Fikile Magama into an error that allowed the ball to creep over the line for the dramatic winner.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations and booked Nigeria’s spot in the final, moving them closer to an unprecedented 10th WAFCON crown a massive statement after finishing fourth in the last edition in 2022.
South Africa bow out as brave defending champions but face anxious moments over Salgado’s recovery as they turn their focus to next year’s Olympic qualifiers.
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