Super Falcons players paid a heartfelt visit to South African midfielder Gabriela Salgado in hospital on Wednesday, following her horrific injury during their semi-final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Afrosport reports.
The 27-year-old suffered a fracture to her left leg after an unfortunate collision during Banyana Banyana’s 2-1 loss to Nigeria at the Stade Larbi Zaouli on Tuesday.
Despite the high-stakes nature of the match and the fierce rivalry between the two sides, concern quickly overshadowed competition. Players from both teams were visibly distraught as Salgado received treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and replaced by Sibulele Holweni.
She has successfully undergone surgery at the Mohammed VI University Hospital. In a touching display of sportsmanship, Super Falcons players paid her a visit and presented her with a signed jersey.
We wish Gabriela Salgado a speedy and full recovery. 💚#WAFCON2024 #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/RtiBYxnwlT
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 23, 2025
The midfielder is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. However, she is in high spirits, with an outpouring of support and heartfelt messages flooding in from across the football community.
With their title defence cut short, Banyana Banyana will now take on Ghana in the third-place play-off at the same venue on Friday.
