A dramatic stoppage-time goal from Michelle Alozie crushed Banyana Banyana’s dreams and propelled Nigeria into the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. The Super Falcons clinched a 2-1 win in Casablanca on Tuesday night, leaving Desiree Ellis’ side to contest the third-place playoff.
Alozie’s match-winner at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium came in the dying moments. What appeared to be an intended cross from the Nigerian defender took an awkward bounce in front of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and rolled into the net, an unfortunate end for the South African number one, who had otherwise kept Banyana in the match.
Early Pressure from the Super Falcons
Nigeria started on the front foot and almost took the lead early on. Jennifer Echegini’s strike missed narrowly, but the offside flag had already been raised. Moments later, Chinwendu Ihezuo forced a smart save from Dlamini, who tipped the ball over the bar to deny the Super Falcons.
A huge scare came in the 11th minute when Esther Okoronkwo broke past the Banyana defence, only to be denied by Dlamini. Ihezuo followed up with a header, but Tiisetso Makhubela cleared off the line with a brilliant goal-line save.
Banyana’s Struggles Up Front
While Banyana showed flashes of promise, they failed to create consistent threats. Jermaine Seoposenwe worked her way into the Nigerian penalty box but was unable to trouble goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. South Africa’s problems worsened when Makhubela, who had been solid at the back, was forced off due to injury in the 26th minute. Hildah Magaia came on in her place.
South Africa carved out a few opportunities as the half wore on, with Lebohang Ramalepe firing over and Magaia pulling a shot wide. However, Nigeria struck first just before the break. A shot from Folashade Ijamilusi struck Bambanani Mbane’s arm in the box, and after a VAR check, a penalty was awarded. Rasheedat Ajibade converted the spot kick, just beyond Dlamini’s fingertips.
Equaliser Brings Hope
Nigeria almost doubled their lead early in the second half when Dlamini dropped a routine cross. Fortunately, Fikile Magama cleared off the line to keep Banyana alive.
That clearance proved crucial. Moments later, Magaia was pulled back by Osinachi Ohale inside the Nigerian box. After another lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded to Banyana. Linda Motlhalo stepped up confidently and levelled the score just after the hour mark.
Missed Chances and Agonising End
South Africa nearly grabbed the lead in the 73rd minute when Seoposenwe delivered a precise ball to Noxolo Cesane, who beat Nnadozie, but her shot lacked power, and Ohale cleared it off the line. Seoposenwe continued to influence proceedings, narrowly missing the target with a curling effort five minutes later.
However, just as the game seemed destined for extra time, tragedy struck. Alozie’s long-range cross caught Dlamini off guard, sealing the Super Falcons’ passage to yet another WAFCON final.
Heartbreak for Salgado and Banyana
Adding to South Africa’s woes was a serious-looking injury to forward Gabriela Salgado in the closing minutes. Making her first start of the tournament after a long spell on the sidelines, Salgado was stretchered off as several teammates watched on in tears, a cruel twist for a player who also missed the 2022 WAFCON victory due to injury.
As Nigeria marches on, Banyana Banyana will now have to rally themselves for the third-place playoff. Their journey may not end with the trophy, but the fight they showed promises a competitive finish.
Related article: ‘Bring the Cup Home’: Banyana Banyana’s Salgado Urges Team to Rise Like Champions
