SAFA has provided a critical update on Banyana Banyana’s Gabriela Salgado, revealing the full details of her injury sustained during the recent WAFCON match and her post-operative condition.
Banyana suffered a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria in the semi-final of the WAFCON on Tuesday night, ending their dream of defending their continental title.
The Desiree Ellis-coached team conceded first in the first-half from the penalty spot after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the box.
Banyana’s equaliser also came from the penalty spot, which was converted by the highly-rated midfielder Linda Motlhalo in the second stanza. The Super Falcons reclaimed the lead in the dying minutes of the match, securing a spot in the final where they will face off against the host nation Morocco.
WHAT’S THE UPDATE ON GABRIELA SALGADO’S INJURY?
Before Nigeria scored the winning goal, Banyana were dealt a blow after Salgado suffered a freak injury. The Banyana team doctor has since shared details on the nature of Salgado’s injury, stating that she fractured the mid-shaft of her left leg.
“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,” Dr Lindi Mokoena said on Wednesday.
“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,” the doctor added.
Meanwhile, in a powerful show of solidarity, the entire Banyana squad visited Salgado in the hospital on Tuesday night, after her condition had stabilised.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA LEADS GLOBAL OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR SALGADO
And messages of support for Salgado have since flooded in from across the globe, led by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa. He extended his well wishes, stating, “Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’s @G_Salgado9 as we wish Gabriela a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury… The nation wishes you well.”
Adding to the outpouring of concern, Nigeria’s Super Falcons demonstrated sportsmanship. On Wednesday, a delegation of Nigerian players visited Salgado, presenting her with a signed Super Falcons jersey.
The entire Super Falcons… were profoundly saddened to learn of the serious injury sustained by Gabriela Salgado… The spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete… Our collective wish is for Gabriela’s steady healing, renewed strength, and a return to the pitch when she is ready.”
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