Banyana Banyana suffered a heartbreaking exit from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 2-1 loss to arch rivals Nigeria in the semi-final on Tuesday.
South Africa felt a sting in the tail when Nigeria scored the winning goal at the death at a time when it had looked like the match was headed to extra-time.
Desiree Ellis’ side had survived early pressure from Nigeria before they succumbed just before halftime but recovered well in the second half.
Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andila Dlamini’s heroics kept them in the game for 45 minutes as she made three key saves, two of them one-on-one situations, after making herself big to deny the Super Falcons.
South Africa had also suffered a setback when Tiisetso Makhubela was stretchered off with an injury to be replaced by Hildah Magaia in the 26th minute.
South Africa rue missed opportunities
Magaia almost had an instant impact when she received the ball against the run of play but hit a tame shot that did not trouble Chiamaka Nnadozie in Nigeria’s goal five minutes to halftime.
However, on the stroke of halftime, Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the box and the referee pointed to the spot, Rasheedat Ajibade stepping up to score past Dlamini, who had dived the right way.
After the break, South Africa improved and had a number of opportunities to score but could not utilize them until the 56th minute when they received a penalty. Linda Motlhalo picked the ball and sent Nnadozie the wrong way for 1-1.
South Africa should have extended their lead soon after when Motlhalo floated in a great ball which was met first time by Noxolo Cesane but the Nigeria defenders made a goal line clearance.
Both teams then huffed and puffed but in the 84th minute, there was a moment of worry when Gabriela Salgado went down with a nasty injury.
How did Nigeria kill Banyana Banyana?
The nature of her injury was not immediately known but the reaction of the players told it all as they appeared distraught while some of her team-mates were in tears. Salgado left the pitch on a stretcher but with a heavily strapped leg.
At this point, it looked like both teams had settled for 1-1 in regulation time with extra-time imminent.
However, Michelle Alozie gave Nigeria victory in some fortunate fashion as deep in injury time, the US-based defender floated in a speculative ball which the Banyana Banyana defenders failed to deal with and they agonizingly watched as it rolled into the net for 2-1.
Victory sees Nigeria stay on course for a record extending 10th title, avenging their loss to South Africa at the group stage during the 2022 edition, while Banyana Banyana will now not be able to defend their crown as they have to play the less glamorous third place playoff against the loser between hosts Morocco and Ghana, who play the second semi-final on Tuesday night.
