Super Falcons Strike Late to Sink South Africa, Reach WAFCON Final
Byline: IDNN Sports Desk
Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie produced two of the most decisive moments in Nigerian women’s football history on Tuesday as the Super Falcons edged South Africa 2-1 in a fiercely contested Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final showdown.
Labelled “the final before the final,” the clash lived up to its billing from the first whistle to the last, with both teams delivering a fiery display of skill, pace, and raw grit at the Stade Larbi Zaouli.
Ajibade gave Nigeria a deserved lead just before halftime, coolly converting a penalty after Bambanani Mbane was penalized for handball. The Falcons had dominated the opening 45 minutes with pressing precision, wide overloads, and disciplined defending that stifled the reigning champions
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Banyana Strike Back, But Alozie Breaks Hearts Late
South Africa clawed back in the second half. In the 60th minute, Hildah Magaia was brought down by Osinachi Ohale, and Linda Motlhalo equalized from the spot — tilting momentum momentarily in Banyana Banyana’s favour.
But as the match edged toward extra time, Michelle Alozie, from almost 35 yards out, rifled a thunderous strike that arced past South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini in stoppage time — a goal worthy of any final.
“That was from the heavens,” one commentator gasped. “You don’t strike those unless you believe.”
The goal sent the Falcons bench into wild celebration and broke South African hearts, extinguishing hopes of a successful title defence.
Bruises, Cards and Final Destination
The final minutes were frantic — injuries, yellow cards, and a tense atmosphere. Chinwendu Ihezuo was stretchered off. But the Super Falcons held firm through nine added minutes.
Unbeaten in the tournament and hungrier than ever, Nigeria now march into the final in Rabat, chasing their 10th continental crown — a record no African nation can match.
South Africa, meanwhile, will settle for a third-place playoff after a bitter semi-final exit.
