Gabriela Salgado has undergone successful surgery in Casablanca after sustaining a serious leg injury during South Africa’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat to Nigeria.
The Banyana Banyana midfielder suffered a fracture to the middle of her left leg in Tuesday’s match, which ended in a 2-1 loss to the Super Falcons at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The injury halted her participation in the tournament and will sideline her for several months, ruling her out for the remainder of the year.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed in a statement: “Gabriela Salgado underwent successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca on Wednesday.”
The 25-year-old’s injury comes as a heavy blow for the defending champions, who were targeting back-to-back titles in the competition.
While Nigeria advanced to the final to face host nation Morocco, South Africa were left to grapple with both elimination and the loss of a key player.
In a moment of sportsmanship, members of the Nigerian team visited Salgado in hospital to offer their support following the incident.
Team doctor Dr Lindi Mokoena provided an update on her condition, saying: “She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she has received exceptional care from the medical teams at Banyana, CAF, and the hospital.” Dr Mokoena also extended appreciation to Moroccan medical personnel for their “professionalism and exceptional support” throughout Salgado’s treatment and recovery.
Messages of support have poured in for the midfielder, including one from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “I know you are a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and that you are a courageous and talented woman on the pitch. The nation wishes you well.”
Salgado is expected to remain in hospital in Casablanca for further monitoring before travelling back to South Africa with her teammates next week.
While her long-term prognosis is positive, her recovery is expected to be gradual, keeping her out of both domestic competition and national team duties for the foreseeable future.
For Banyana Banyana, Salgado’s absence is a setback at a critical juncture.
However, the team remains focused on regrouping and preparing for future competitions, with hopes high for the eventual return of one of their most promising talents.
