Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis blames Gabriela Salgado's injury after South Africa's WAFCON elimination following Nigeria defeat as SAFA issue statement on injured star - 'You could see how emotional the players were'

Banyana Banyana fell 2-1 to Nigeria's Super Falcons in the WAFCON semi-final game played on Tuesday evening in Morocco.

Rasheedat Ajibade gave the West African Nation a first-half lead before Linda Motlhalo responded after the break.

However, Michelle Alozie won it late for her team with a fortuitous long-range strike to help Nigeria set up a final with the hosts, who beat Ghana in a second game.

Banyana had a better second half as opposed to the initial one, which Nigeria dominated, as Andile Dlamini pulled fantastic saves to keep her team in the game.

However, in the 84th minute, a horrendous injury to Gabriela Salgado changed the tide, with South Africa players distraught.

According to coach Desiree Ellis, that moment killed the team's momentum.

“I think from the reactions of the players it definitely was bad, I haven’t seen the medical report yet,” Ellis said in her post-match interview.

“But from the player’s side, it definitely looked really, really bad because we had to calm them down, we had to make that they refocus, which was very difficult after that moment."

“What impacted us was the injury, as you could see how emotional the players were,” she added.

“I knew it was serious because I could see the players running away [after seeing it], I think that impacted them in the last minutes, and I don’t think they recovered from that.

“Unfortunately, it’s part of the game, and it’s so unlucky for Salgado because she missed the last WAFCON also through injury, which she had picked up just before WAFCON.

“It’s unlucky for her, I think it affected us. We matched them pound-for-pound, not that we played 120 minutes [in the previous match]. That impacted us when Gabriela got injured," Ellis concluded.

“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,” SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya said.

SAFA president Danny Jordaan also reacted to Salgado's injury and Banyana's elimination by saying, “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."

Most South Africans and football lovers in the continent hope the 27-year-old can recover on time to continue with her career.

As seen from her exploits, the versatile player has so much to give to the beautiful game in the next couple of years.