Heartbreak for Banyana Banyana as Nigeria claims victory in Wafcon semi-final

IOL News

6 days ago

BANYANA Banyana midfielder Linda Motlhalo challenged by Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria during the semi-final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca. Motlhalo scored a second half as South Africa lost 2-1 as the game finished with traumatic scenes due Gabriela Slagado injury. | BackpagePix
Incredulously none of them did and goalkeeper Dlamini had somewhat expected them to redirect the ball to her right and went that way. But the ball bounced and trickled into the net untouched.
Extra time loomed large when an innocuous-looking punt from the middle of the pitch by Michelle Alozie found its way into the box. The Banyana defenders went to sleep, leaving two Nigerian strikers in the position to connect with the ball.
South Africa's senior national team were knocked out of the Total Energies Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night in Casablanca, Desiree Ellis' team losing 2-1 to bitter rivals Nigeria who are now set to become continental champions a record extending 10th time.
THE TITLE defence dream has gone up in smoke. Banyana Banyaya's reign as African champions is over.
Congratulations to Banyana Banyana!🇿🇦 You have made South Africa proud with your dedication, resilience and excellence on the field. 🫶🏾⚽ pic.twitter.com/NgGYmNuC5M
It was a heartbreaking way for Banyana to lose a match they'd appeared to have salvaged with an improved second half performance after they'd gone to the break a goal down after conceding a penalty.
Bambanani Mbane had handled the ball in the box as she attempted to stop an attacker and Super Falcons skipper Rasheedat Ajibades duly converted although Dlamini had gone the right way and actually got her hand to the ball but not enough to keep it out.
Banyana equalized from the spot kick also via star player Linda Motlhalo after Hilda Magaia was pulled back and down inside the danger box.
The match was see-sawing from one end to the other, with Banyana actually enjoying the upper hand when Gaby Salgado suffered a horrific injury that sent the players near the incident holding their heads in shock, calling for immediate help and then crying.
The winger who had missed the 2022 tournament due to injury broke her leg during a goalmouth scramble as the Super Falcons went in search for the winner.
The injury knocked the wind out of Banyana's sails as they lost the momentum they'd enjoyed earlier on. Still, it appeared the match would head into the extended half an hour period with just a few minutes left to play.
And it looked as though Banyana were playing for time, no doubt keen to recalibrate following Salgado's injury. But Nigeria had other ideas and they pumped the ball forward in hope.
That long punt looked set to be cleared, but with no Banyana player jumping up to head it clear it fell right in front of Dlamini and went the other way into the net, with Karabo Dhlamini's attempts to kick it out probing in vain as she only connected with it long after it had crossed the line.
And just like that, Banyana's hopes of winning the continental title a second time was gone.
Though they had enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first half, it was Nigeria who had looked dangerous as they made the more promising attacks and forced some good saves out of Dlamini early on.
The player nicknamed Sticks thwarted the Super Falcons in the eighth and 11th minute, with Tiisetso Makhubela clearing the ball off the line.
Banyana had a brilliant chance to take the lead on 40 minutes but Hilda Magaia scuffed the ball wide of the goal when faced with just the goalkeeper. Nigeria then took the lead three minutes thereafter.
The second half was barely ten minutes old when Motlhlalo equalized and Banyana should have gone ahead on 72 minutes after a great Salgado cross fell for Noxolo Cesane.
The substitute did well to stab the ball through the legs of the Nigerian goalkeeper but not strong enough for it to go over the line as a SuperFlancos defender managed to clear it before it went in.
Jermaine Seoposenwe then had a free shot on goal from the edge of the box but she succeeded in disturbing the Casablanca bats' flying pattern instead of finding the target.
Salgado's horrific injury brought an eerie hush into the arena before the crowd stood as one and applauded her –as she was being stretchered off the pitch.
Normality returned when Nigeria scored the winner that ended the dreams of Banyana bringing the title back home from Morocco a second time.
They will now have to strive to get the consolation third place bronze medals while Nigeria will look to win their 10th title.