Banyana Banyana’s dream of becoming back-to-back Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions has come to a devastating end after a thrilling semi-final clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons ended in a loss.
For as long as many football lovers can remember, any clash between South Africa and Nigeria can only be described as worth watching.
Fueled by intense competitiveness and mutual respect, their match-ups draw some of the biggest viewership numbers in the women’s game.
In a bid to defend their 2022 title, which they had to upset a hosting Moroccan team to achieve, Banyana Banyana pulled off an impressive run to reach the semi-final stage of the coveted tournament.
After securing a 1-0 victory over Senegal, the South African team had to prepare to face-off against the Super Falcons in the semi-final, to hopefully move on to the final match where they will face the winner of the Ghana vs Morocco match-up.
As expected, Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons provided a thrilling display of football, as each team was just not ready to go home yet. Unfortunately for the South African side, just as the score was locked at 1-1, left winger Gabriela Salgado suffered an unfortunate injury late in the second half, killing any and all the momentum they had managed to garner.
Not too long after, Nigeria capitalised on Banyana’s misfortune, and scored a goal in the 11th hour to make the score 2-1, denying their opponents any chance of equalising. This put an end to coach Desiree Ellis’ tournament run, ending all hopes of securing back-to-back WAFCON titles.
With Morocco also failing to secure a win in their sem-final clash, the viewers will enjoy a Ghana vs Nigeria match for the final.
Michelle Alozie’s long ball sends Nigeria to the final of the women’s WAFCON tournament in Morocco, finding the net at the right time to help the Super Falcons beat the defending champions, South Africa. #MissionX is on for Nigeria!! pic.twitter.com/tEePS10H5M
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) July 22, 2025
As Banyana Banyana did not make it to take it to the very end, conversations regarding the team’s future have already begun, as fans debate whether or not the Desiree Ellis era might have run its course. According to some, the coach has offered all she has to Banyana Banyana, and now has to pass the baton to a deserving successor.
It’s time Dr. Desiree Ellis gives others a chance to coach Banyana Banyana.
She played her role as a coach, we need new ideas. pic.twitter.com/sUX8HirIeG
— CIC of All Social Media (@maxuvani) July 22, 2025
Not in a bad way but I think it’s time that Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis makahambe! pic.twitter.com/07UQWP9dYA
— Coach Tiger Khabarovsk® (@SbusisoMhlanga0) July 22, 2025
It’s time to rebuild that Banyana team. Desiree Ellis thank you for your great service but it’s time to usher in a new era. New coach, new ideas, new vision, new generation of players, new SAFA president.
— Lesilo Rula (@kay_mahapa) July 22, 2025
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