Super Falcons Edge South Africa with Late Winner to Reach WAFCON 2024 Final

Nigeria’s Super Falcons kept their dream of a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title alive with a thrilling 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa on Wednesday. In a tense semi-final clash in Casablanca, Michelle Alozie struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to book Nigeria's place in Saturday’s final against hosts Morocco.

Alozie’s Heroics Seal the Victory

In the 94th minute, with the match seemingly headed for extra time, Michelle Alozie floated a hopeful cross into the South African penalty area. The ball bounced untouched inside the six-yard box, deceiving goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and evading desperate defensive efforts to find the back of the net. Initially claimed by midfielder Deborah Abiodun, replays confirmed Alozie as the scorer — sending the Nigerian bench and fans into wild celebrations.

First-Half Drama: Ajibade Strikes from the Spot

Nigeria dominated early proceedings, and their pressure paid off just before half-time. A fierce shot from Folashade Ijamilusi struck South African defender Bambanani Mbane on the arm inside the box, prompting a VAR-reviewed penalty decision. Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and converted from the spot in the 45th minute, giving Nigeria a 1–0 lead despite Dlamini’s fingertips getting to the low drive.

South Africa’s Resilience and Equaliser

The reigning champions came back stronger in the second half. On the hour mark, VAR was again involved after Osinachi Ohale was judged to have pulled down Hildah Magaia inside the Nigerian box. Linda Motlhalo coolly slotted the resulting penalty past Chiamaka Nnadozie, leveling the tie and giving South Africa renewed momentum.

Noxolo Cesane came close to giving Banyana Banyana the lead in the 73rd minute, sliding to meet a cross but failing to apply enough force to get it over the line before Ohale cleared.

Injury Setbacks and Late Drama

The closing minutes saw significant disruption when Gabriela Salgado went down in a scramble inside the Nigerian box. The South African midfielder had to be stretchered off, and the incident led to an extended period of stoppage time.

Just when extra time seemed inevitable, Alozie’s cross-turned-goal crushed South African hopes. The delivery caught Dlamini off guard, with Nigerian attackers creating confusion in front of goal. The late winner was a cruel blow to Banyana Banyana, who battled bravely despite losing key players to injury during the match.

What’s Next for Nigeria and South Africa?

Nigeria now face hosts Morocco in the final on Saturday in Rabat, aiming to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2018. The victory also keeps alive "Mission X" — the Super Falcons' campaign for a 10th continental crown.

For South Africa, the defeat ends their hopes of retaining the title and reaching a third straight final. The result also casts doubt over the future of head coach Desiree Ellis, who has led the team for nearly a decade and brought them their first WAFCON title in 2022.

Final Thoughts

The semi-final showcased the grit, quality, and drama that define African women’s football. Nigeria’s Super Falcons showed why they are the continent’s most successful team, but South Africa’s performance was a testament to their evolution into genuine continental heavyweights. As the final looms, all eyes now turn to Rabat for what promises to be a memorable showdown between two of Africa’s elite sides.

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