Nigeria edged past South Africa with a dramatic 2‑1 victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, securing a place in the final thanks to a stoppage‑time strike from Michelle Alozie. The Houston Dash forward’s long ball drifted into the net in the eighth minute of added time, completing a hard‑fought comeback and sending the Super Falcons into the title decider  .

Rasheedat Ajibade had earlier given Nigeria the lead shortly before halftime, converting a penalty after South African defender Bambanani Mbane was penalized for a handball in the box  . South Africa, who entered the match as defending champions, responded in the 60th minute when Linda Motlhalo found the net from the penalty spot, awarded after Osinachi Ohale fouled Hildah Magaia inside the area  .

The second half saw an even contest, with both sides creating chances but neither able to break the deadlock until Alozie’s late intervention. Her speculative effort from distance, intended as a cross, caught South Africa’s goalkeeper off guard and nestled into the top corner, sparking celebrations among Nigerian players and supporters alike  .

The match, held in Casablanca, featured a tense moment in the 84th minute when South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado was stretchered off following a serious injury, prompting a momentary lull in play as both teams paused in concern  .

Nigeria’s win continues their unbeaten run in the tournament. They will now face the winner of the semifinal between Morocco and Ghana in the final in Rabat on Saturday. Victory would mark their 10th WAFCON title, reinforcing their dominance in African women’s football  .

South Africa will regroup to contest the third‑place playoff. The contest, described as a “final before the final,” showcased the competitive standard and growing intensity of women’s football across the continent  .