Salgado suffers serious injury as Nigeria beat Banyana in WAFCON semis – South African Football Association

22 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana were beaten 1-2 by long-time rivals Nigeria in a dramatic and incident-filled Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final match played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night.

The game was marred by a serious injury to Gabriela Salgado in the 83rd minute in an incident that visibly traumatised the Banyana Banyana players and the entire South African bench. Salgado was eventually stretchered off the pitch following the horror injury and the defending WAFCON champions never recovered after the incident. SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya spoke to www.safa.net after the game on Tuesday night and gave an update on Salgado’s injury.

“Gabby had a serious injury during the game and was rushed to hospital immediately after the incident for further assessment and management. The extent of the injury is unknown at this stage, and we will give an update once all the facts are known,” said Dr Ngwenya.

The Nigerians scored their winning goal through Michelle Alozie moments after Salgado was stretchered off the pitch four minutes into the referee’s optional time. The two teams had been level at 1-1 at this stage of the match after Nigeria scored the opening goal of the contest from the penalty spot through captain Rasheedat Ajibade in the 45th minute. But coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges clawed their way back into the match and also equalised from the penalty spot through Linda Motlhalo in the 60th minute.

The match seemed to be heading to extra time until the horror injury to Salgado and Nigeria’s winning goal. An update on the extent of Salgado’s injury will be given after she has been given a full assessment at the Morocco hospital. SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan wished Salgado a speedy recovery.

“First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gabriela Salgado. We are all waiting to hear what the doctors have to say either tonight or tomorrow. Banyana Banyana fought very well, and it was a brave performance from the WAFCON defending champions. You have established yourselves as one of the best teams on the continent. We fought bravely and we are proud of your performance. Well done to the whole team, the team’s Head of Delegation Thabile Msomi, the coach Dr Desiree Ellis, the captain Refiloe Jane and all players. We are proud of your efforts,” said Dr Jordaan.

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