It could be Banyana Banyana’s toughest test of the competition so far when they face African giants Nigeria in the semifinals of WAFCON.
In what is being dubbed a “final before the final,” reigning champions South Africa are set to face nine-time winners Super Falcons in a monumental clash that promises intense competition.
The rivalry between these two teams has become historically intense, with their clashes, particularly in continental showpieces, consistently proving to be the most important.
RECENT FORM
While Banyana displayed dominant form in the group stage, securing impressive victories against Ghana (2-0) and Mali (4-0) alongside a 1-1 draw with Tanzania, their quarter-final progression was less straightforward.
They ultimately had to rely on a tense penalty shootout win over Senegal to book their semi-final spot. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini emerged as the hero in that shootout and will need to maintain her vigilance from the outset on Tuesday evening.
Offensively, South Africa has showcased a distributed attack, with no fewer than seven different players contributing goals throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, with an unbeaten run and an impenetrable defense, Nigeria has made a strong case as the team of the tournament.
They have won all three of their matches on the way to the semi-finals, remarkably keeping a clean sheet throughout. Their commanding 5-0 quarter-final triumph against Zambia was a clear declaration of their title aspirations.
This clinical performance was spearheaded by the attacking prowess of Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Oluwatosin Demehin, complemented by the formidable defensive leadership of Ashleigh Plumptre.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two sides last clashed in last year's Olympic Games Women – Qualification final, where Nigeria emerged victorious with a 1-0 aggregate win over South Africa across two legs.
And the last time they met at WAFCON, Banyana beat Nigeria 2-1 in the group stages, thanks to Jermaine Seopesenwe and Hildah Magaia.
WHAT THEY SAID
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis
“As a technical team, we are already standing on one side talking about how we are going to plan and how we are going to prepare because 120 minutes with a day less to prepare and a day to travel takes a lot.
“There's a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria.”
Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu
“This puts extra pressure on everybody. It comes with extra pressure because it does not give room for mistakes. [To win at this stage of the competition] you must get ready and be fully prepared in all aspects. So, we are equally prepared and ready for it.”
TIME AND WHERE TO WATCH
The match will take place on Tuesday, 22 July at the Stade Larbi Zaouli with kickoff set for 18:00. The match will be broadcast on SABC 3 and
