WAFCON WAR

TWO of Africa’s premier women’s football nations will go toe-to-toe when South Africa meet Nigeria in a moerse Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) semi-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca at 6pm on Tuesday. 

At stake is more than just a spot in the final – the winner secures automatic qualification to the 2027 World Cup. It adds another layer of urgency and intensity to a rivalry that has grown into one of the continent’s fiercest.

Recent history gives Banyana Banyana reason to be confident. In the last five meetings between the two nations, SA have registered two wins, Nigeria have claimed one, and two matches have ended in draws. 

This includes Banyana’s famous 2-1 group-stage triumph over the Super Falcons at the 2022 Wafcon – the same tournament that ended with SA lifting the trophy for the very first time.

Their route to the semis has been far from straightforward. After navigating the group phase, Banyana edged Senegal on penalties in a tense quarter-final that finished 0-0 after extra time at the weekend.

It wasn’t their most fluid match, but it was the kind that champions find a way to win – gritty, focused and unyielding under pressure.

Banyana know how to handle the Super Falcons. Their tactical maturity, especially in big games, remains a groot asset. 

The backline, anchored by the experienced Bambanani Mbane, has been solid, while midfielders like captain Refiloe Jane and Amogelang Motau will be crucial in controlling the rhythm of play. Banyana are expected to stick with their compact defensive shape and rely on the pace of Hildah Magaia and creativity of Jermaine Seoposenwe to exploit spaces on the break.

The clash also serves as a repeat of the 2018 final – one that went to penalties and saw Nigeria win the title. But much has changed since then. 

Banyana have grown from contenders to champions. They are now battle-hardened, cohesive, and know what it takes to grind out results.