Defending WAFCON Champions South Africa beat Senegal 4-1 in the penalty shootout to make the semi-final berth after the two teams played to a goalless draw in both regulation and extra time on Saturday night.
The defending champions came into the match as favourites owing to their good record in Group C, which saw them finish at the summit, as opposed to their opponent, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams across all pools.
It vividly explains why Desiree Ellis' side came into the match as the favourites which put them under pressure to deliver.
Banyana survive Senegal's scare
The West African nation started the match quite well in search of an early goal, as South Africa struggled to settle. Lionesses of Teranga had two early opportunities to destabilize the holders but were not clinical.
In the 21st minute, goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye almost gifted Seoposenwe Jane a goal as she tried to dribble past her, but the skill backfired; however, the defenders were there to do their work.
Seconds later, it was Nguenar Ndiaye who was slipped through by her teammate, but failed to get her balance in the critical moment, and her shot failed to trouble Andile Dlamini in Banyana Banyana goal as it flew wide.
In the final minute of the first half, the Teranga Lionesses conceded a free-kick just at the edge of the 18-yard area. Karabo Dhlamini took the responsibility but it was just straight at the goalkeeper, who had no problem making a save.
Goalless at the end of regulation time!
Banyana Banyana started the second half on a high note, trying to push the ball forward, but lacked the cutting edge as Senegal used their physicality well to intimidate and win 50/50 duels.
From the 55th minute onward, all teams took a cautious approach, characterized by unnecessary fouls from either team. The goalkeepers did so by clearing the dangers, ensuring they didn't put their sides at risk of elimination.
With 10 minutes to go, a good cross was played from the right in favour of Banyana Banyana. The unmarked Lebogang Ramalepe had all the time but ended up heading the ball off the target.
Despite the many chances created by both sides, it ended goalless in regulation time.
Senegal undone in the shootout
In the seventh minute of extra time, Jane managed to find Ramalepe in the final third. The winger kept her composure to score, but her celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee's offside flag; VAR ratified the decision, much to the relief of the Senegalese.
Both Hildah Magaia and Jane had massive chances to score, but good goalkeeping and lack of composure kept the Teranga Lions in the game.
The 30 extra minutes ended without a goal, prompting the match to be decided by penalties.
The defending champions won the shootout 4-1 as Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane successfully converted their penalties.
However, it was Mama Diop who scored for the West Africans as Dlamini dealt with Nguenar Ndiaye and Meta Kande's efforts.
South Africa will now play Nigeria in the semi-final set for Tuesday, July 22.
