In a dramatic semi-final clash of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco, Banyana Banyana saw their dreams of retaining continental supremacy dashed by Nigeria, who emerged victorious with a last-gasp winner that ended the match 2-1. The defeat marked a poignant moment for the South African side, whose remarkable journey through the tournament was ultimately cut short.
The match, played on Tuesday night, was tightly contested and remained firmly poised at 1-1 as the clock wound down. It was a situation where both teams battled fiercely to capture the crucial lead. However, it was Michelle Alozie who broke South African hearts in deep stoppage time, netting the decisive goal that propelled Nigeria forward in the tournament.
Desiree Ellis’ squad had kicked off their campaign with a surge of optimism, beginning with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ghana, which set a positive tone for their performances. Following that, they secured a 1-1 draw against Tanzania, before delivering an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Mali, showcasing both skill and determination. Yet, the quarter-final against Senegal proved to be their most arduous test. After a hard-fought battle that ended in a 0-0 deadlock, Banyana emerged victorious through penalties, demonstrating their resilience.
Despite the disappointment of exiting the tournament early, Banyana Banyana will have the opportunity to fight for third place against the loser of the second semi-final clash between Ghana and the hosts, Morocco. This match, set for Friday, serves not only as a chance to secure a podium finish but also as an essential moment for the team to redeem their tournament experience and build towards future successes.