Banyana Midfielder Gabriela Salgado Suffers Serious Injury in WAFCON Semifinal Loss to Nigeria

South African midfielder Gabriela Salgado has been sidelined with a serious leg injury sustained during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal clash against Nigeria in Casablanca.

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The incident occurred during the intense fixture that ended in a 2-1 defeat for South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. Salgado was visibly in distress following the injury, prompting immediate medical attention. She was stretchered off the field and taken directly to the hospital for further treatment.

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The emotional impact of the injury was evident, as several teammates were seen overcome with emotion—some collapsing to the ground—while head coach Desiree Ellis was brought to tears on the sidelines.

Messages of support and wishes for a swift recovery have poured in from fans, fellow athletes, and football associations across the continent, all rallying behind Salgado in her recovery journey.

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