Nigeria 2 RSA 1: Mission X on as Alozie scores injury-time winner to send Super Falcons to Wafcon final

Michelle Alozie's stunning 93rd-minute strike sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Nigeria over South Africa in the semi-final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), reigniting the Super Falcons’ quest for a record-extending 10th continental title.

In a match defined by high stakes and unrelenting intensity, Nigeria drew first blood just before half-time. Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up in the 45th minute to fire home from the penalty spot after Ijamilusi Folashade’s goal-bound shot was handled in the box by a South African defender.

However, defending champions South Africa hit back shortly after the break. 

A 60th-minute penalty by Linda Motlhalo, awarded after a foul inside the area, brought the Bayana Bayana level, setting up a pulsating second half.

With both teams battling hard in midfield and chances at a premium, Nigeria's head coach Justin Madugu made key substitutions, including the introduction of Deborah Abiodun for the cautioned Halimatu Ayinde. 

South Africa applied sustained pressure but were denied by the composed Super Falcons defence, led by Osinachi Ohale and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

As the game looked destined for extra time, Alozie capitalised on a long clearance from Nigeria’s defensive third in the third minute of stoppage time. 

Her speculative effort caught South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini off her line and sailed into the net, sending Nigerian fans into wild celebrations.

The victory avenged Nigeria’s 2022 WAFCON group stage loss to South Africa and secured a place in the final, where the Super Falcons will aim to complete their "Mission X" for a 10th WAFCON crown.

Wale Adejumo

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