Nigeria’s Super Falcons snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa in the dying moments of their WAFCON 2024 semi-final clash on Tuesday, booking a spot in Saturday’s final and keeping hopes alive for a record-extending 10th continental title.

Michelle Alozie was the heroine of the night, curling home a sensational stoppage-time winner from 35 yards in the 94th minute her strike sailing past a stunned Andile Dlamini to send the Nigerian bench and fans into jubilation at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca.

Earlier, Rasheedat Ajibade put Nigeria ahead just before halftime, calmly converting from the spot after Bambanani Mbane handled Folashade Ijamilusi’s shot inside the box.

South Africa equalized in the 60th minute through Linda Motlhalo’s penalty after Hildah Magaia was pulled down by Osinachi Ohale. The goal ended Nigeria’s clean sheet run at the tournament and temporarily tilted momentum in Banyana Banyana’s favour.

But the defending champions were undone in the final seconds by Alozie’s moment of brilliance, which avenged Nigeria’s 2022 group stage defeat and ended South Africa’s title defence in heartbreak.

The match, widely billed as a “final before the final,” lived up to its billing full of tension, flair, and late drama, with injuries and yellow cards marring the closing stages.

Unbeaten Nigeria will now face hosts Morocco in the final in Rabat, while South Africa battle for bronze in the third-place playoff.