Stars’ injury destabilised us, says Ellis
Banyana Banyana’s Gabriela Salgado, who suffered a serious injury late in South Africa’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal loss to Nigeria at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Tuesday, is still receiving treatment in a Moroccan hospital, reports africanfootball.com.
 
Salgado was stretchered off in the 83rd minute after challenging for the ball in the air and becoming entangled with a Nigerian defender, plating her leg into the turf when landing, with her body collapsing as she landed on her leg.
 
Reactions from players from both teams on the pitch as well as the South African bench alluded to the severity of Salgado’s injury.
 
Speaking to safa.net, SAFA Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya stated that the severity of the injury is not known yet.
 
“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,” Dr Ngwenya said.
 
Safa has stated that an update will be given once the player has been fully assessed. She currently remains in hospital in Morocco.
 
With the game tied at 1-1 at the time of Salgado’s injury, Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie would go on to score a stoppage-time winner to send her side to the final.
 
Speaking after the match, Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis said that Salgado’s injury impacted the team.
 
“From the players’ reactions, it was definitely bad. But I haven’t seen the medical report yet,” said Ellis.
 
“It looked really bad because we had to calm them (players) down and help them refocus, which was very difficult.
 
“What impacted us was the injury, as you could see how emotional the players were. I knew it was serious because I could see them running away after seeing it. I think that affected them in the last minutes, and they didn’t recover. Unfortunately, it’s part of the game.”
 
The reigning champions will play for the bronze medal against Ghana tomorrow at the Stade Larbi Zaouli.