Michelle Alozie’s winner four minutes into injury-time handed Nigeria a 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa in Casablanca on Tuesday to claim a place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Rasheedat Ajibade had given the Super Flacons the lead from the penalty-spot in the first half, before South Africa struck back with a spot-kick of their own in the second period via Linda Motlhalo.
Just as it seemed extra-time would be needed, Alozie floated a cross deep into the box and under pressure from two Nigerian forwards, South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini allowed the ball to pass her and into the net.
A stoppage-time goal sends the Super Falcons to the #WAFCON2024 final 😤🇳🇬#SSFootball | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/4gBr3Ndly5
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 22, 2025
Nigeria were the dominant side in the first half, but South Africa looked the more likely to go on and win it in the second before being stung by conceding so late on.
Jennifer Echegini flashed a shot just wide of goal from the edge of the box, before Nigeria somehow failed to take the lead on 11 minutes when South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini saved from point-blank range to deny Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo’s shot was blocked on the line by Tiisetso Makhubela.
South Africa created some half-chances, first Jermaine Seoposenwe’s shot was tame, and then Hildah Magaia had a better opportunity but scuffed her shot across goal and wide.
Nigeria were handed a penalty on 44 minutes when 20’s shot struck the outstretched arm of Banyana’s Bambanani Mbane and referee Shamirah Nabadda pointed to the spot.
Goalkeeper Dlamini got a strong hand to the penalty, but Ajibade’s low shot deflected into the right-hand corner of the net.
The skipper makes sure 🎯🇳🇬
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 22, 2025
Rasheedat Ajibade gives the Super Falcons the lead on the stroke of half-time 👇
📺 Stream #WAFCON2024 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/VxFaN3Rmln
South Africa had a fortunate moment early in the second period when Dlamini explicably dropped the ball from a routine cross, but they were able to scramble the ball away from danger.
South Africa received a penalty of their own when an on-rushing Magaia was held back in the box by Osinachi Ohale and after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Motlhalo made no mistake.
Linda Motlhalo responds 😤🇿🇦
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 22, 2025
Banyana Banyana levels it in Casablanca 🤝
📺 Stream #WAFCON2024 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/keLoewG67S
It was the first goal conceded by Nigeria in the tournament and some redemption for Motlhalo, who missed a vital spot-kick against the Super Falcons in a shootout in the 2018 final.
Banyana had an excellent chance to take the lead when Noxolo Cesane latched onto a cross in the box, but as her goal-bound shot trickled towards the net, it was stopped on the line by a Nigerian defender.
Seoposenwe then curled a shot over the top as South Africa began to create the better chances as the clock ticked to 90 minutes.
A horrific leg injury to Gabriela Salgado during a scramble in the box left players on both sides in tears and shaken, with several of the South Africans needing to be consoled by coaching staff.
Captain Refiloe Jane stayed with Salgado as she received lengthy treatment before being stretchered off.
Emotional scenes as Gabby Salgado is stretchered off after a horrific injury 👇
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 22, 2025
📺 Stream #WAFCON2024 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/SGYUsa7X2d
Ten minutes later Nigeria had their winner, an unfortunate goal for the South Africans to concede to end their defence of their title.
We’re in the final, baby! 💃🏾
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 22, 2025
One step closer to the crown, Mission X is ALIVE!#NGARSA #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/YMQsW8dflU
