South Africa’s head coach, Desiree Ellis, has cleared the air on claims that her side aimed to drag Nigeria’s Super Falcons into a penalty shootout during their semi-final showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.
The thrilling encounter, which ended 2-1 in favour of the Super Falcons, saw Nigeria advance to the final after a dramatic stoppage-time winner stunned the defending champions.
“We wanted to win. If we had taken our chances, we could have won the game,” Ellis stated during the post-match press conference, dismissing suggestions that Banyana Banyana’s strategy was to force the match into extra time and possibly penalties.
The Super Falcons struck first just before the break when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the spot, leaving goalkeeper Andile Dlamini rooted to the spot.
The South African side responded with a goal of their own in the 60th minute, after a penalty was awarded for a foul by Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale on Hildah Magaia. Linda Motlhalo calmly slotted the ball home to level the tie.
With the game seemingly heading for extra time, Nigeria found a late winner in the dying moments of stoppage time.
Michelle Alozie’s attempted cross evaded everyone in the box and floated into the net, catching Dlamini off-guard and sealing victory for the Falcons.
Despite the disappointment, Banyana Banyana can take some positives. South Africa became the first team to breach Nigeria’s defence at the tournament, and this was their second consecutive WAFCON semi-final appearance under Ellis, who has led the team through five editions of the competition.
The Super Falcons will now march on to the final, eyeing another continental title, while South Africa bow out as gallant opponents in a match that showcased the rising standards of women’s football across the continent.
