Nigeria beat holders South Africa to reach Wafcon final

Nigeria defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 in the dramatic stoppage-time winner to advance to Saturday’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

Andile Dlamini, the West African team’s goalkeeper, was denied by Michelle Alozie’s delivery from deep into the box in the 94th minute to maintain the West Africans’ hopes of securing a record-extending 10th continental title.

After Bambanani Mbane was fined for handling Folashade Ijamilusi’s shot, the Super Falcons took the lead in Casablanca with Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty on the stroke of half-time.

However, in the second half, the hosts rallied and scored on the hour mark with a composed Linda Motlhalo spot-kick that Osinachi Ohale won when she tugged back Hildah Magaia.

The Nigerians were the first to concede at the championships this year, and it set their sights on that.

With six minutes left, South Africa had to deal with a serious-looking injury to Gabriela Salgado, but Alozie struck just as it appeared the game was moving into extra time, causing jubilant cheers.

After getting a day’s worth of rest from their opponents, South Africa made a nervy start at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, winning their quarter-final match against Senegal with extra time and penalties.

In the eleventh minute, Dlamini saved Esther Okoronkwo’s save before center-back Tiisetso Makhubela both headed clear and blocked Chinwendu Ihezuo’s follow-up in front of the goalline.

After losing Makhubela to injury midway through the second half, South Africa was forced to reorganize, but it appeared to be on course for victory before Ijamilusi fired an effort past Mbane, who was just two yards away.

In the first minute of the second half, Dlamini almost gave her rivals another goal with a cross she dropped just yards out, but the effort had enough power to put Nigeria ahead.

South Africa, who had rarely threatened, were given a chance to return to the content by a defensive lapse in concentration, which VAR confirmed.

The final fifteen minutes of Motlhalo’s game, which included a fiercely contested and tense final quarter, were set up by Motlhalo when Chiamaka Nnadozie was sent the wrong way from the spot.

In the 73rd minute, Noxolo Cesane almost opened the scoring with a powerful cross from the left, but her effort was shoo over the line, and Ohale triumphantly cleared.

Six minutes of stoppage time was slowed down by Salgado’s injury after a scramble in the box caused a number of Banyana players to be in clear distress before she was taken off on a stretcher.

Alozie’s lofted delivery appeared hopeful but sprang just outside the six-yard box. Despite Fikile Magama’s desperate efforts, the ball ended up in the net due to the onrushing performances of Ihezuo and Deborah Abiodun, who were on the receiving end.

Abiodun eventually won the goal from the Super Falcons right-back, but replays revealed she didn’t receive a touch.

South Africa put in a strong performance despite the injury setbacks they faced throughout the match, which was harsh on them.

Under coach Desiree Ellis, whose future is uncertain after nine years in charge, they had been competing for the title and third successive final.