The curtain fell on Banyana Banyana’s reign as continental champions when they were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday night.
With the game headed towards stoppage time with the scores level at 1-1, the Nigerians scored the winner deep in stoppage time through Michelle Alozie, breaking South African hearts in the process.
There was a harrowing moment towards the end of the game when South African forward Gabriela Salgado appeared to have suffered a serious injury. Players from both teams were visibly distraught after seeing the injury.
Desiree Ellis’ team will now play the loser of the second semi-final – between Ghana and hosts Morocco – in the third-place play-off on Friday.
Banyana began their tournament with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Ghana earlier this month, and followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania, and a 4-0 thrashing of Mali last week Monday.
In their quarter-final clash against Senegal, the team had to work harder. The game ended level at 0-0 after extra-time, which meant it would be decided by spot-kicks. In the ensuing penalty shootout, South Africa’s Andile Dlamini was the hero after saving two kicks, giving them the 4-1 win and booking a semi-final date with Nigeria.
Three years ago, South Africa lifted the tournament for the first time-ever when they defeated Morocco – the hosts in 2022 as well – 2-1 in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
South Africa’s victory in 2023 came after the team had fallen short a number of times. They were beaten finalists in 2018, 2012, 2008, and 2000. In 2016, 2014, 2010, 2006, and 2002, they were knocked out in the semi-final stage of the competition.
Despite the loss, South Africa’s stature in global women’s football continue to grow after a number of impressive years. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, reached the knockout stages of the tournament, something Bafana Bafana have yet to achieve.
More to follow
IOL Sport
