In a stunning turn of events, Banyana Banyana suffered a crushing defeat in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal, as Nigeria scored in the referee’s optional time to clinch a 2-1 victory at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Tuesday.

The decisive goal came in the dying moments of added time when a long ball punted into the box beat Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Her movement was disrupted by Nigerian players, leaving the goal exposed as the ball found the empty net. It was a brutal blow for the defending champions, coming too late for any chance of a comeback.

Banyana Banyana had fought gallantly after Rasheedat Ajibade opened the scoring for Nigeria with a penalty just before halftime. This came after Bambanane Mbane was penalized for a handball inside the box. However, Banyana leveled the score with their own penalty in the 60th minute, coolly converted by Linda Motlhalo.

Chances were scarce for both teams following the equalizer, but Nigeria ultimately had the last laugh, mirroring their victory over Banyana Banyana in last year’s 2024 Olympic Qualifiers.

Michelle Alozie’s long ball into the box was not cleared, leaving Dlamini exposed in goal, as she seemingly anticipated a touch from a Nigerian player before the ball went in.

This dramatic loss was compounded by another moment of heartbreak for Banyana Banyana when Gabriela Salgado was forced to leave the field after suffering a severe injury.

Banyana players were visibly in tears, and as Salgado was stretched off, fans in the stands offered a beautiful tribute, clapping and chanting her name, a gesture of well-wishes for her recovery. However, this proved to be a double blow for the team, as they not only lost Salgado but also the match.

Nigeria, which last won this competition in 2018 when they beat Banyana in Ghana, will now advance to the final and face the winner of the other semifinal match between Ghana and hosts Morocco.