Nigeria, July 23 -- In a clash laced with history, grit, and raw emotion, defending champions South Africa fell 2-1 to Nigeria in Tuesday's Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final in Casablanca; a game settled by a dramatic stoppage-time moment from Michelle Alozie.

After being undone by a first-half penalty and then clawing their way back into the tie, Banyana Banyana appeared poised to drag the match into extra time. But just as the pendulum seemed to steady, Alozie's lofted cross-cum-shot skipped past everyone, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini included; and broke South African hearts.

In the aftermath of the loss, Desiree Ellis, head coach of South Africa, dismissed suggestions that her team deliberately aimed to stretch the conte...