Banyana Banyana missed the chance to book their place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after falling to a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening.
The Nigerians opened the scoring in the 44th minute following an adjudged handball inside the box.
Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and slotted the ball into the back of the net, despite Andile Dlamini guessing the correct way.
🏆 𝕎𝔸𝔽ℂ𝕆ℕ 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜 🏆
⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Nigeria take the lead against Banyana Banyana.
🇳🇬 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇿🇦
🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC Sport | SABC 3
📱 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/CPvZNEBGMl— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 22, 2025
South Africa were awarded a penalty of their own in the 56th minute when Hildah Magaia was brought down inside the box.
Linda Motlhalo stepped up and converted from the penalty spot with a powerful strike to send the keeper the wrong way and level the scoreline.
🏆 𝕎𝔸𝔽ℂ𝕆ℕ 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜 🏆
⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Banyana Banyana get an equalizer as Linda Motlhalo converts from the penalty spot.
🇳🇬 1⃣➖1⃣ 🇿🇦
🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC Sport | SABC 3
📱 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/46QcFWarzY— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 22, 2025
Banyana had a chance to take the lead in the 73rd minute, but Noxolo Cesane saw her effort saved off the line after she beat Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to the ball.
It was Nigeria who eventually took the lead in stoppage-time when Michelle Alozie played a long ball into the box, which evaded Dlamini before sailing into the back of the net.
🏆 𝕎𝔸𝔽ℂ𝕆ℕ 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜 🏆
⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Nigeria restore their lead against Banyana Banyana.
🇳🇬 2⃣➖1⃣ 🇿🇦
🚨 LIVE
📺 SABC Sport | SABC 3
📱 https://t.co/26PdrPrnVE#SABCSportFootball #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/irTxb537YF— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 22, 2025
South Africa were unable to find an equalising goal as Nigeria held on for a 2-1 win and booked their place in the final.