Banyana Banyana missed out on a spot in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations final after losing 2-1 to Nigeria in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening.
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
Date: 22 July 2025
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli
Coach Desiree Ellis made two changes from the quarter-final win over Senegal, with Gabriela Salgado and Bongeka Gumede coming in for Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia.
The Super Falcons looked lively in the early stages of the encounter, but the South African defence did well to keep their opponents at bay.
South Africa were forced to make a change after 20 minutes as Tiisetso Makhubela was forced with an injury after colliding with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, with Hildah Magaia brought on as her replacement.
After long periods without any clear-cut chances, Nigeria were awarded a penalty five minutes before the halftime break for a handball on Bambanani Mbane in the box. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and converted the spot-kick.
However, Banyana were awarded a penalty of their own ten minutes into the second half after Magaia was brought down in the area. Linda Motlhalo took responsibility and confidently sent the Nigerian goalkeeper the wrong way to level matters.
The South Africans went close to taking the lead after 72 minutes when Jermaine Seoposenwe did well to pick out Noxolo Cesane in the box, but the latter saw her effort cleared off the line by a Nigerian defender.
There was an unfortunate lengthy stoppage with six minutes left on the clock as Salgado had been stretchered off after a nasty-looking injury.
However, Nigeria got the winning goal in second-half stoppage time when Michelle Alozie's long-ball into the box evaded everyone and sailed into the far corner to seal their spot in Saturday's final.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Dlamini, Mbane, Gamede, Makhubela, Magama, Dhlamini, Jane, Motlhalo, Ramalepe, Seoposenwe, Salgado
Subs: Swart, Magagula, Mhlongo, Magaia, Mogolola, Holweni, Mthandi, Donnelly, Cesane
