South Africa’s utility player, Lebohang Ramalepe, has applauded the Super Falcons for their commendable reaction after Banyana Banyana forward Gabriela Salgado sustained a severe leg injury during Tuesday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final in Casablanca.
Salgado suffered the injury following a collision with Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo in the closing stages of the game and had to be stretchered off with a suspected broken leg. The incident left players from both teams visibly shaken, as Salgado’s leg appeared severely distorted while she writhed in pain.
Despite the intensity of the match, Super Falcons’ match-winner Michelle Alozie consoled Salgado as she was carried off the pitch – a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Ramalepe and her teammates.
“It shows their team spirit. At the end of the day, we’re all friends,” Ramalepe told Soccernet.ng. “On the field, we compete against each other, but when something like that happens, we have to be there for one another. What they did was really great.”
Nigeria’s Ashleigh Plumptre was seen covering her face in distress upon witnessing the injury, while South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo sought comfort from coach Desiree Ellis, overwhelmed by the situation.
Earlier, Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the lead from the penalty spot after Bambanani Mbane was penalised for handball. Motlhalo levelled for South Africa in the second half, also from the spot, after Osinachi Ohale fouled Hildah Magaia.
South Africa seemed poised to win, with Noxolo Cesane nearly scoring before Salgado’s injury disrupted their momentum. In stoppage time, Alozie netted a long-range cross that evaded everyone, including goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, sealing Nigeria’s place in the final against hosts Morocco on Saturday.
Meanwhile, defending champions South Africa will face Ghana in Friday’s third-place playoff.
