Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie fired Nigeria into the WAFCON final with a last-gasp 2-1 win over rivals South Africa, ending Banyana Banyana’s hopes of defending their crown.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are one step closer to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title after a thrilling 2-1 win over defending champions South Africa in Tuesday’s semi-final at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
In a dramatic clash between two African giants, Rasheedat Ajibade’s first-half penalty and a stoppage-time cross-cum-winner from Michelle Alozie sent the Nigerians through, while Banyana Banyana saw their title defence end in agonising fashion.
The intensity was palpable from kickoff, and it was Nigeria who drew first blood. Just before the break, Karabo Dhlamini was penalised for a handball, and Ajibade made no mistake from the spot to hand the Super Falcons a deserved lead.
South Africa responded after the restart. Osinachi Ohale’s foul on Hildah Magaia earned Banyana a penalty of their own, which Linda Motlhalo coolly slotted home — the first goal Nigeria had conceded all tournament.
As the match looked destined for extra-time, up stepped Michelle Alozie in the 91st minute with a looping cross that evaded everyone — including Banyana keeper Andile Dlamini — and nestled into the far corner.
Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a true captain’s performance — winning and scoring the opening goal and terrorising the South African defence with her pace and movement. Her leadership and clutch moments were crucial to Nigeria’s progression.
For Banyana, the result was a bitter blow. Having fought valiantly to equalise, they were undone at the death by a slice of misfortune. Despite their exit, Desiree Ellis’ side can take pride in pushing their long-time rivals to the very edge.
Nigeria will now face the winner of Morocco vs Ghana in the WAFCON 2025 final, while South Africa will contest the third-place playoff against the loser of that tie.
