Banyana Banyana midfielder, Gabriela Salgado, has undergone a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday 23 July, 2025, some hours following the injury she picked up during the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal showdown against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
Salgado was stretchered off late in the second 45 minutes following an accident during the South African senior women’s national team’s 1-2 fall to the Super Falcons on Tuesday (22 July 2025).
She remains in hospital while she recovers and will stay with the team upon release. The midfielder will jet back home with Banyana Banyana next week.
Dr Lindi Mokoena, Banyana Banyana team doctor, said: “Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.
“She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital.
“We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time.”
President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, sent his well wishes to Salgado, praying her “comfortable and speedy recovery”.
Ramaphosa wrote on X: “Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’s @G_Salgado9 as we wish Gabriela a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria.
“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch.
“The nation wishes you well.
“Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa’s defending champions and Nigeria’s breakthrough in extra time proved this.
“We are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champs.
“We wish Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday’s dream home final for the host nation.”
In its message to Salgado, the Super Falcons wrote on X: “We wish South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado a swift and full recovery.
“Health comes first, strength to you, Gabriela”
Nigeria will slug it out with host Nations, Morocco, in the final on Saturday 26 July, 2025 at 21:00 (WAT).
Morocco defeated Ghana 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi final.
