WAFCON 2024: South Africa Reacts to 2-1 Semi-Final Loss Against Super Falcons

written by okaforjoseph (July 23, 2025)

WAFCON 2024: South Africa Laments 2-1 Defeat to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Semi-Final Clash

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have expressed disappointment following their 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the semi-final of the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The match, played on Tuesday night, saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons edge past the defending champions in dramatic fashion to book their place in the final.

South Africa’s hopes of retaining the title were dashed after a late goal from Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, whose long cross from the right flank floated over the goalkeeper and into the net, sealing the win for the Super Falcons.

Earlier in the game, Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead from the penalty spot before Linda Motlhalo equalized for South Africa, also from a penalty. With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Alozie’s decisive strike in the dying minutes made the difference.

South Africa Reacts After Shock Exit

Reacting after the game, the official Banyana Banyana X (formerly Twitter) page posted:

“It ends with a loss against Nigeria… not the result we expected.”

The defeat marks a significant setback for the South African team, who came into the tournament as reigning champions and one of the favorites to lift the trophy again.

What’s Next for Banyana Banyana?

Following the loss, South Africa will now compete in the third-place play-off, where they will face the loser of the second semi-final between Ghana and Morocco.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will advance to the final in pursuit of yet another WAFCON title, extending their dominance in African women’s football.