Banyana Ready For WAFCON Semifinal Showdown Against Nigeria
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has declared her team ready to face Nigeria in the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024.
The highly anticipated clash will take place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday. (18:00)
This semifinal battle between the defending champions and the Super Falcons of Nigeria is more than just a match; both nations are pursuing the coveted trophy for distinct reasons.
Ellis’s side aims to successfully defend their title, a feat that would make them the first country after Nigeria to do so. Conversely, the West Africans are on a mission to secure their 10th WAFCON trophy, having already won a record nine titles.
Familiar Foes, Higher Stakes
“Nigeria is a familiar team that we’ve played against over the last couple of years,” said Ellis, whose side lost to Nigeria in the 2018 edition final of the tournament in Ghana.
“We traveled yesterday (Sunday) and today (Monday), and we will have our final training session. 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, leaving no stone unturned, so I think you don’t need motivation for a semifinal, and we are ready for the game.”
Banyana Banyana recently failed to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in France after being edged out by Nigeria in the last round of qualifiers. Yet, the four-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year believes that their previous encounters with Nigeria will not hold significant weight now that the stakes are even higher.
“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,” she explained.
“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.”
Ellis emphasized the significance of a victory for South Africa: “They are the only country that has defended back-to-back on numerous occasions, and it would be big for our country.”
Roads to the Semifinals
The two teams took different routes to reach the last four. Nigeria has been dominant, winning all four of their games, including a comprehensive victory against Zambia in the quarterfinal. The Super Falcons are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Banyana Banyana, on the other hand, drew one match and won three, with their quarterfinal victory against Senegal being decided on penalties.
The last meeting between these two women’s football giants was in the group stages of the 2022 WAFCON, where South Africa emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia.
Banyana Banyana ultimately went on to win that continental title for the first time.
The winner of this highly anticipated semifinal clash between Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons will advance to the final to face the victor of the other last-four fixture between hosts Morocco and Ghana.
