In a pulsating semi-final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, sealing their place in the final with a stoppage-time goal by Michelle Alozie.
The high-stakes encounter on Tuesday evening lived up to expectations, as both sides battled fiercely for a spot in the final. Nigeria, nine-time WAFCON champions, displayed grit and discipline to overcome the defending champions and rekindle hopes of yet another continental crown.
Shortly after the final whistle, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, congratulated the Super Falcons on their victory. In a statement released in Abuja, she praised the team’s resilience and unity, describing their performance as a proud moment for all Nigerians. “You have once again demonstrated the true spirit of Nigerian women — strong, fearless, and unstoppable. We are proud of you. Keep flying the flag high,” she said.
The Super Falcons almost got off to a flying start just two minutes into the game when a long ball into South Africa’s box caused confusion, and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini momentarily fumbled it before recovering to clear the danger. In the 15th minute, Nigeria nearly took the lead when Esther Okoronkwo brought down a long pass inside the box and struck towards goal, but Dlamini’s outstretched leg made the save. Chiwendu Ihezuo’s follow-up was cleared off the line.
South Africa responded with their own chance in the 18th minute through Jermaine Seoposenwe, whose low shot was calmly gathered by Chiamaka Nnadozie. Just two minutes later, South Africa were dealt a blow as defender Tiisetso Makhubela was forced off due to injury, disrupting their defensive structure.
With the half drawing to a close, Nigeria found the breakthrough. In the 44th minute, Rasheedat Ajibade confidently converted a penalty after a South African player handled Folashade Ijamilusi’s cross inside the area, giving the Falcons a 1–0 lead heading into halftime.
South Africa returned after the break with renewed purpose and greater attacking intensity. Their efforts paid off in the 59th minute when Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty following a foul by Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale inside the box. The equalizer energized Banyana Banyana, but Nigeria’s defense stood strong.
There was a heart-stopping moment for Nigeria in the 72nd minute when Ohale made a crucial clearance off the line to deny South Africa a potential winner. The match appeared to be heading for extra time until the dying seconds of stoppage time.
In the 94th minute, Michelle Alozie launched a long ball into the box that seemed harmless at first. However, South African goalkeeper Dlamini misjudged its trajectory, and the ball bounced directly into the net — a stunning and decisive blow that handed Nigeria a memorable victory.
Late drama continued as South African defender Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious leg injury and had to be stretchered off before the final whistle.
Despite South Africa enjoying 55 percent possession and a pass accuracy of 73 percent to Nigeria’s 66 percent, the Super Falcons were more efficient in attack, registering seven shots on target compared to their opponents’ three.
This marks Nigeria’s first WAFCON final appearance since 2018 in Ghana, and the victory ends South Africa’s reign as champions. The Super Falcons will now face either hosts Morocco or Ghana’s Black Queens in the final, scheduled for Saturday, July 26.
With one match remaining, the Super Falcons are on the brink of claiming a historic 10th WAFCON title — a feat that would further cement their legacy as the most dominant force in African women’s football.
