In a dramatic finish at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Michelle Alozie’s 94th-minute goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Nigeria’s Super Falcons over reigning champions South Africa in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 semi-final. This thrilling win propels Nigeria into the final, bringing them closer to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
The match was a testament to Nigeria’s resilience, marked by intense competition and pivotal moments. The Super Falcons started strong, with Jennifer Echegini almost finding the net in the fifth minute with a powerful shot that narrowly missed. Despite their early control, it was captain Rasheedat Ajibade who broke the deadlock in the 44th minute, converting a penalty to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead at halftime. This marked Ajibade’s third career goal against South Africa.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, however, equalized in the 59th minute when Linda Motlhalo successfully converted a penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 and reigniting the contest. Nigeria then made strategic substitutions, bringing on Christy Ucheibe for Echegini in the 66th minute and Deborah Abiodun for Halimatu Ayinde in the 81st minute to strengthen their midfield.
Just as the match appeared headed for extra time, Alozie, a versatile defender, unleashed a speculative long-range effort in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The shot soared past South Africa’s goalkeeper, igniting wild celebrations among Nigerian fans.
This victory not only secures Nigeria’s spot in the WAFCON 2024 final but also avenges their 2-1 group-stage loss to South Africa in 2022. The Super Falcons maintain their unbeaten, no-goals-conceded run in the tournament, anchored by the solid performances of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashley Plumptre. They now look forward to facing either hosts Morocco or Ghana in the final on July 26.