WAFCON 2025: Ellis Blames Salgado Injury for Banyana’s Painful Exit

Rethabile Nyelele24 July , 2025

Banyana Banyana’s hopes of defending their WAFCON crown came to a heartbreaking halt in Casablanca, following a distressing injury to star midfielder Gabriela Salgado during their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old suffered a horrific leg break in the 83rd minute, just as the semi-final appeared headed for extra time.

According to SAFA’s chief medical officer, Dr. Thulani Ngwenya, Salgado sustained fractures to both her tibia and fibula and was rushed to Mohamed VI University Hospital for immediate surgery, which was successfully performed the following day.

Banyana Banyana vs Nigeria: A Game Derailed by Trauma

The incident left players from both teams visibly shaken. Tears flowed, medics scrambled, and a long pause followed as Salgado received urgent attention. The game, locked at 1-1 at the time, never quite resumed with the same energy.

“It was clear from the reaction of the players how serious it was,” said coach Desiree Ellis post-match. “We had to calm everyone down and try to get the focus back. But I think that moment disrupted everything for us.”

Just minutes later, the Super Falcons capitalised on Banyana’s disarray. Michelle Alozie struck in stoppage time to send Nigeria into Saturday’s final against hosts Morocco. For South Africa, the injury to Salgado marked the psychological turning point in what had been a closely contested encounter.

Desiree Ellis Reflects on Banyana’s Gallant Effort

Despite the loss, Ellis remained proud of her side. “We went toe to toe with Nigeria, and we had our chances,” she noted, highlighting key moments missed by Jermaine Seoposenwe and Noxolo Cesane. “After 120 minutes against Senegal in the quarters, we still looked strong. But we couldn’t recover from what happened to Gabby.”

Banyana had made two changes from the quarter-final line-up, reintroducing Salgado and Sebolelo Holweni into midfield. Meanwhile, Nigeria stuck with their dominant starting eleven from the previous round—an overseas-based side that had dismantled Zambia 5-0.

Penalty Drama Sets Up a Thriller

The Super Falcons broke the deadlock just before the break when Bambanani Mbane was penalised for a handball. Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the spot, handing Nigeria the lead at half-time. But Banyana responded in kind when Linda Motlhalo slotted home a penalty in the 60th minute after Hilda Magaia was brought down inside the area.

With both teams pushing for a winner, it looked destined for extra time—until disaster struck. Salgado’s injury derailed South Africa’s rhythm and, ultimately, their title defence.

Safa President Backs Banyana Amid Setback

SAFA President Danny Jordaan lauded the team for their bravery under tough circumstances and offered his support to Salgado. “We’re all behind her and hoping for a full recovery,” Jordaan stated. “Banyana showed great spirit and determination. They remain one of the strongest forces in African football.”

One More Battle to Fight

Although the dream of consecutive WAFCON titles is over, Banyana Banyana’s tournament isn’t done yet. They’ll meet Ghana’s Black Queens in the third-place playoff on Friday evening. While the heartbreak from the Nigeria clash will linger, the team has a chance to finish on a high and dedicate their final performance to Salgado.

For now, South Africa rallies behind one of its brightest talents, hoping her road to recovery is as swift and strong as the spirit she’s shown throughout the tournament.