Defending WAFCON champions South Africa hope to get past Nigeria on Tuesday, July 22 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, and secure their place in the 2024 final.
It is expected to be a tough assignment for either team owing to the quality and rivalry between them.
The semi-final between Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons will be the first business of the day, before the second one that will see hosts Morocco face Ghana.
Recent form and head-to-head record
Nigeria topped Group B after securing seven points, beating Tunisia 3-0, followed by a 1-0 victory over Botswana, and a goalless result in the final pool outing against Algeria. The Super Falcons trounced Zambia 5-0 in the last eight to set a date with Desiree Ellis' side.
In Group C, the holders beat Ghana 2-0, then shared the spoils with Tanzania in a 1-1 draw, before claiming a 4-0 victory over Mali to finish at the summit. Banyana Banyana then dug deep in the quarter final against Senegal; the game ended goalless in both regulation and extra time, but they won the penalty shootout 4-1.
In the head-to-head record, Nigeria and South Africa have met 10 times in the WAFCON competition. The West African nation has won seven times while their opponents have managed just two, with one ending in a draw, in regulation and extra time before the Super Falcons won the shootout.
This will be the fifth time the two nations will play against each other in the semi-final. Nigeria have won four times and Banyana Banyana just once.
The last meeting was in the Group stage in the 2022 edition and Ellis' team won 2-1.
What They Said
“Nigeria is a familiar team that we’ve played against over the last couple of years. We travelled yesterday and today, and we will have our final training session and there’s not much you can do in one day. But there are a few things that you can tweak, and a few things that you can work on. The technical team has been really busy behind the scenes and leaving no stone unturned, so I think you don’t need motivation for a semifinal, and we are ready for the game,” Ellis said before the game as quoted by SAFA website.
“I don’t think it means a lot, it does mean, however, that we know we can get over the line, but I think past results don’t really mean anything because it’s a different tournament and it’s three years down the line. Also, it’s a different coach and some new players, but it’s the same Nigeria and they have the quality. We have to be on top of our game to make sure we get over the hurdle. They are the only country that has defended back-to-back on numerous occasions, and it would be big for our country,” she concluded.
Team News and Starting XI
Banyana Banyana have all players available for the game, including goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who seemed to pick up a knock in the win over Senegal.
It is interesting to see whether Ronnie Donnelly has recovered from injury to be given minutes after impressing against Mali. Veteran attacker Hildah Magaia has to step up after inconsistent displays in the competition.
Just like South Africa, the Super Falcons have no player suspended, which is a blessing for the technical team. Ashleigh Plumptre is fit after getting injured against Zambia, just like Chioma Okafor, who was nursing a hand strain.
South Africa Probable XI: Nnadozie, Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre, Ayinde, Echegini, Ajibade, Ijamilusi, Ihezuo, Okoronkwo
Nigeria Probable XI: Dlamini, Ramalepe, Mbane, Nhlapo, Matlou, Dhlamini, Motlhalo, Magaia, Makhubela, Donnelly, Salgado
Where to Watch
Fans in Mzansi can follow up the semi-final fixture on SuperSport and SABC from 18.00 hours SAT.
