Banyana Banyana's Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence came to an end after losing 2-1 to Nigeria in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening.
Gabriela Salgado and Bongeka Gumede were handed starts in the Banyana starting line-up as the only changes from the win over Senegal in the quarter-finals, with Sibulele Holweni and Hildah Magaia dropping to the bench.
The Nigerians looked to get an early goal as they carved out some openings that forced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini into a couple good saves in the opening 15 minutes.
Five minutes later, coach Desiree Ellis was forced into making a first-half change after Tiisetso Makhubela picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Hildah Magaia.
There was a real lack of clear-cut chances for most of the first half, but the Super Falcons were afforded a lifeline just before the break after being awarded a penalty for a handball, which allowed captain Rasheedat Ajibade to dispatch the penalty to hand her side the lead.
The South Africans were also awarded a penalty ten minutes after the break for a foul on Magaia. Linda Motlhalo stepped up and calmly slotted into the bottom corner to restore parity in the clash.
Banyana upped the tempo after getting the equaliser as they went in search of the go-ahead goal as Noxolo Cesane and Jermaine Seoposenwe went close with a couple big chances with around 20 minutes left on the clock.
South Africa suffered a big blow in the final 10 minutes, as Salgado had to be stretchered off after a nasty injury, which left both sets of players visibly worried.
With extra-time on the horizon, Nigeria bagged the winning goal in the 94th minute when Michelle Alozie's long-ball from just inside the Banyana half sailed straight into the back of the net.
(Photo by Mansa Ayoola/Gallo Images)
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Dlamini, Mbane, Gamede, Makhubela, Magama, Dhlamini, Jane, Motlhalo, Ramalepe, Seoposenwe, Salgado
Subs: Swart, Magagula, Mhlongo, Magaia, Mogolola, Holweni, Mthandi, Donnelly, Cesane