Banyana Banyana’s Wafcon title defence ends in heartbreak against Nigeria
Nigeria advance Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade celebrates with teammates after opening the scoring in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa on Tuesday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
The curtain fell on Banyana Banyana’s reign as continental champions when they were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday night.
With the game headed towards stoppage time with the scores level at 1-1, the Nigerians scored the winner deep in stoppage time through Michelle Alozie, breaking South African hearts in the process.
There was a harrowing moment towards the end of the game when South African forward Gabriela Salgado appeared to have suffered a serious injury. Players from both teams were visibly distraught after witnessing the injury.
Desiree Ellis’ team will now play the loser of the second semi-final – between Ghana and hosts Morocco – in the third-place play-off on Friday.
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Banyana began their tournament with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Ghana earlier this month, and followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania, and a 4-0 thrashing of Mali last week Monday.
In their quarter-final clash against Senegal, the team had to work harder. The game ended level at 0-0 after extra-time, which meant it would be decided by spot-kicks. In the ensuing penalty shootout, South Africa’s Andile Dlamini was the hero after saving two kicks, giving them the 4-1 win and booking a semi-final date with Nigeria.
Three years ago, South Africa lifted the tournament for the first time-ever when they defeated Morocco – the hosts in 2022 as well – 2-1 in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
South Africa’s victory in 2023 came after the team had fallen short a number of times. They were beaten finalists in 2018, 2012, 2008, and 2000. In 2016, 2014, 2010, 2006, and 2002, they were knocked out in the semi-final stage of the competition.
Despite the loss, South Africa’s stature in global women’s football continue to grow after a number of impressive years. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, reached the knockout stages of the tournament, something Bafana Bafana have yet to achieve.
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