Super Falcons edge Banyana Banyana 2-1 to reach 2025 WAFCON final
Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade with a tackle against Bayana Bayana. Photo Credit- Super Sports
Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on July 22, 2025, at Stade Larbi Zaouli, advancing to the final and keeping their hopes alive for a record-extending 10th continental title.
The high-stakes clash lived up to its billing as a battle of African football giants. Nigeria struck first in the 45th minute when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty after South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane was penalized for handball following a shot by Folashade Ijamilusi. South Africa, the defending champions, responded in the 60th minute with a penalty of their own, calmly dispatched by Linda Motlhalo after Osinachi Ohale’s foul on Hildah Magaia. The match appeared headed for extra time until Michelle Alozie’s dramatic 94th-minute goal, a lofted delivery that eluded goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, sparked wild celebrations among Nigerian fans.
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Interim coach Justin Madugu hailed his team’s resilience, stating, “We showed determination and capitalized on key moments. This is a step toward Mission X.” South Africa’s coach Desiree Ellis expressed disappointment but praised her team’s effort, saying, “We fought hard, but injuries and that late goal cost us.”
The Super Falcons, unbeaten in the tournament and conceding their first goal against South Africa, dominated early possession but faced intense pressure in the second half. South Africa, hampered by injuries to Hildah Magaia and Gabriela Salgado, showed resilience but struggled to convert chances, with Jermaine Seoposenwe and Refiloe Jane coming close. Nigeria’s defensive solidity, led by Chiamaka Nnadozie, and timely substitutions, including Deborah Abiodun, proved decisive.
Posts on social media reflected mixed sentiments, with some fans noting South Africa’s coordinated play but crediting Nigeria’s grit for the win. One user wrote, “Luck was on Nigeria’s side, but the Super Falcons deserved it.”
Nigeria, with nine WAFCON titles, now await the winner of the Ghana-Morocco semifinal. The final, set for July 26, 2025, will be broadcast live on SuperSport, SABC Sport, and Afrosport.
