Nigeria’s Super Falcons stunned South Africa’s Banyana Banyana with a thrilling 2-1 victory, thanks to a heart-stopping stoppage-time goal that sent shockwaves through the stadium and lit up millions of homes across Africa.
The Super Falcons defeated defending Champions South Africa in the early semi-final in Casablanca.
Hosts Morocco which prevailed 4-2 on penalties on Tuesday, will face Nigeria in the final on Saturday.
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South Africa dominated the first half in possession, boasting 58% of the ball, but it was Nigeria who dictated the tempo where it mattered most — in front of goal.
The Super Falcons fired six shots on target in the opening half, forcing the South African goalkeeper into multiple saves. Despite the pressure, it took a moment of composure from Rasheedat Ajibade, who buried a penalty on the stroke of halftime (45′), to give Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead.
After the break, South Africa responded with renewed determination. Their breakthrough came in the 60th minute, when Linda Motlhalo converted a penalty to level the score at 1-1, igniting belief among Banyana Banyana fans that another WAFCON final was within reach.
As the clock ticked deep into stoppage time and extra time seemed inevitable, Michelle Alozie delivered a moment that will be remembered for years.
In the 94th minute (90+4′), the right-back surged into the box, met a deflected cross with blistering precision, and unleashed a fierce half-volley that screamed into the net.
The stadium erupted — South Africa frozen, Nigeria in euphoria. It was a dagger to South African hopes, and a thunderclap of destiny for the Super Falcons.
“I saw the space and I knew I had to take the shot. We came here to fight, and this team never gives up. This win is for Nigeria,” said Michelle Alozie, who scored the dramatic winner in stoppage time.
By full time, both teams had recorded nine total shots, but Nigeria’s ruthlessness told the story: seven on target, compared to South Africa’s three. Despite South Africa ending with 55% possession and completing over 300 passes to Nigeria’s 227, the Super Falcons’ sharper attacking edge proved decisive.
With this victory, Nigeria stormed into their record-extending WAFCON final, chasing a historic 10th championship title.
