South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and will now face fierce rivals, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, in a blockbuster encounter on Tuesday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
The South Africans edged past Senegal in a nail-biting quarter-final clash on Saturday, prevailing 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in both regulation and extra time.
The victory sends the reigning champions into a rematch with familiar foes Nigeria, in what is expected to be a fiery contest between two African powerhouses.
Nigeria, nine-time champions of the competition, stormed into the semi-finals on Friday with a commanding 5-0 win over Zambia’s Copper Queens.
The Super Falcons have been in dominant form throughout the tournament—scoring eight goals without conceding in four matches—underlining both their attacking prowess and defensive discipline.
The eagerly awaited semi-final meeting rekindles one of the fiercest rivalries in African women’s football.
South Africa defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the group stage of the 2022 WAFCON—also held in Morocco—before going on to win the tournament. That victory served as payback for their heart-wrenching loss to the Falcons in the 2018 final, where Nigeria triumphed on penalties.
With history, pride, and a place in the final at stake, both teams will be looking to outdo each other once again.
Nigeria will enter the tie as slight favourites, thanks to their red-hot form and tournament pedigree, while South Africa will be banking on their resilience and past success against the Falcons to upset the odds.
In the other semi-final fixture, Ghana’s Black Queens will lock horns with host nation Morocco, also on Tuesday, as the 2024 WAFCON nears its dramatic conclusion.
