Michelle Alozie struck deep into stoppage time to hand Nigeria’s Super Falcons a thrilling 2–1 victory over South Africa in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final, booking their place in the final and knocking out the defending champions.
In a match that lived up to its billing, Nigeria drew first blood through Rasheedat Ajibade, who confidently slotted home a first-half penalty after a VAR check confirmed a handball by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane.
The Bayana Bayana responded strongly, finding their equalizer on the hour mark through Linda Motlhalo’s spot kick after a clumsy tackle inside the box.
As the game looked set for extra time, Alozie delivered a moment of magic in the 94th minute.
Picking up the ball just outside the area, the Houston Dash defender unleashed a powerful strike that beat Andile Dlamini at her near post, sparking wild celebrations from the Super Falcons bench.
The Super Falcons, now unbeaten in the tournament, will advance to their record-extending 11th WAFCON final, while South Africa’s title defense comes to a heartbreaking end.
The match also saw a number of injury stoppages, including a worrying leg injury to South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado, who had to be stretchered off.
Nigeria will now await the winner of the Morocco vs. Ghana semi-final to determine their opponent in the final.