Banyana loss marred by Salgado’s horrific harm – SABC Information

South African Football Association (SAFA)’s chief medical officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya, has revealed that Banyana Banyana midfielder Gabriela Salgado suffered a horrific injury in the 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the semi-final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca on Tuesday night.

Banyana Banyana players never recovered from the shock after the 27-year-old Salgado suffered a tibia and fibula fracture in the 83rd minute.

The match was still tied 1-all, but Nigeria, nine-time WAFCON champions, went on to score the winner in injury time to end Banyana’s reign. South Africa will now face Ghana in a third-place play-off match on Friday.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, made two changes to the team that beat Senegal on penalties in the quarterfinals.

Midfielders Gabriela Salgado and Sebolelo Holweni were reintroduced into the starting eleven. On the other hand, Nigeria retained the eleven that humiliated Zambia 5-nil in the previous round and consisted of players plying their trade overseas.

The Super Falcons, who are eyeing a record 10th continental title, attacked from the first whistle and forced Banyana keeper Andile Dlamini to produce two saves in the opening 15 minutes.

South Africa had to make an injury-forced change midway through the first half, with centre back Tiisetso Makhubela making way for Hilda Magaaia. Shortly afterwards, Banyana had another scare when keeper Dlamini was also injured. But fortunately, she was able to continue after receiving medical attention.

Nigeria eventually took the lead on the stroke of half time when they were awarded a penalty after defender Bambanani Mbani handled the ball in the danger area. Dlamini nearly saved the spot-kick, but Nigeria’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, gave the Super Falcons the halftime lead.

Banyana erased the deficit just before the hour mark, also from the penalty spot. Magaaia was brought down inside the box and Linda Motlhalo sent the keeper the wrong way. Then there was more drama when Salgado suffered a horrific leg fracture in the 83rd minute.

Players from both sides were immediately in tears after the incident, leading to a lengthy stoppage with the medical staff trying to stabilise Salgado, who had a brilliant tournament for Banyana Banyana. The trauma unsettled the South Africans, and a lapse in concentration eventually cost them the match and a place in the final. For the record, Michelle Alzie was credited for scoring the winner for the Super Falcons.

“I think taking our chances, we had quite a few as well, Jermaine on goal, Noxy even before they even scored the second goal, I thought we didn’t look like a team that went 120. We went toe to toe, we gave as good as they gave, but unfortunately, they scored the two goals, and that’s what it’s all about. If you score more than the other team, you win.  But I’m really proud of this team and I think after that injury I think it took us a while to get going again and I think that’s the reason we conceded at the time we conceded, but big ups to Nigeria as they kept on going and good luck to them,” says Ellis.

Banyana will now face the Black Queens of Ghana in the third-place play-off match on Friday evening as their reign as WAFCOM champions is over.