The stage is set for a monumental showdown in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have secured their spot in the semi-finals.
Banyana Banyana’s penalty shootout win over Senegal paved the way for a highly anticipated clash against their formidable rivals, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who advanced after a 5-0 win over Zambia.
This blockbuster encounter is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
South Africa earned their berth in the last four after navigating a tense quarter-final against Senegal on Saturday.
Following a goalless draw through both regular and extra time, Banyana Banyana emerged victorious with a commanding 4-1 triumph in the penalty shootout.
The Super Falcons, meanwhile, demonstrated their dominance on Friday, securing their semi-final spot over Zambia’s Copper Queens.
Nigeria has maintained an unblemished record throughout the tournament, scoring nine goals and conceding none across their four matches, showcasing both potent attacking prowess and a robust defence.
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With the quarter-final stage now concluded, attention firmly shifts to the upcoming semi-finals, with the Nigeria-South Africa fixture undoubtedly headlining the fixtures.
These two titans of African women’s football last met at the 2022 WAFCON, also held in Morocco, where South Africa clinched a narrow 1-0 group stage win over Nigeria.
That victory provided some solace for Banyana Banyana, who suffered a painful defeat to the Super Falcons in the 2018 final.
As Tuesday’s crucial match approaches, Nigeria enters the fray brimming with confidence, buoyed by their impressive run and impenetrable backline.
South Africa, conversely, will be aiming to replicate their 2022 success and prevent the nine-time champions from advancing to another final.
In the other semi-final, tournament hosts Morocco will take on Ghana’s Black Queens, with both matches scheduled for Tuesday, promising a thrilling culmination to the tournament.
