What Banyana can expect against Senegal in battle for semifinal ticket

News24

4 days ago

Sydney Mahlangu / BackpagePix
Banyana are odds-on favourites to progress to the semifinals in Morocco.
Victory for South Africa will set up a clash with Nigeria in the last four on Tuesday.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria progressed to the semis after a 5-0 hammering of Zambia on Friday.
Defending Wafcon champions Banyana Banyana will face an unpredictable Senegalese side with a point to prove.
The two nations meet in the quarterfinals of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on Saturday night at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
Set your watches
The game kicks off at 9pm SA time.
The South African women's national team head into the clash brimming with confidence after topping group C, capped by a statement performance in their 4-0 win over Mali.
In Senegal, Banyana have been pitted against a team dominated by tall, physical players who are often not known for having pace, but that is not the case with the Lionesses of Teranga, as the west African women's side is affectionately known.
Having scored six goals in their past three matches, Senegal pose a real attacking threat. Their players are tall, strong and surprisingly quick, making them dangerous on both set pieces and counterattacks.
The Senegalese frequently use their speed and aerial strength to their advantage, often playing direct and diagonal long balls from deep in their half and relying on the pace and aggression of striker Nguenar Ndiaye.
Head-to-head
Senegalese attacker Ndiaye has scored four goals and is currently joint top goal-scorer at the tournament.
In their 1-0 loss to hosts Morocco, Senegal played a high defensive line and were caught on the counter, which is something South Africa could exploit with their speedy attackers making runs from behind.
The Senegalese defence has conceded four goals, mostly from defensive errors with players caught ball-watching or out of position, highlighting their potential weakness at the back.
However, Desiree Ellis' charges must be wary of the Lionesses' never-say-die attitude, demonstrated in their performances against Morocco and Zambia, when they continued to fight until the final whistle.
Banyana will aim to control the tempo by keeping possession, not only to conserve energy, but also to draw Senegal's defence out and create space for roving full-back Lebohang Ramalepe to deliver crosses on the overlaps or for Jermaine Seoposenwe to pounce with her intelligent runs.
Road to the quarterfinals
Banyana began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ghana, followed by a 1-1 draw with Tanzania and a dominant 4-0 victory against Mali.
South Africa finished as group C winners with seven points ahead of Ghana.
Senegal opened their Wafcon campaign with a 4-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, then suffered a 3-2 loss to Zambia and a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
The Senegalese finished third in group A with three points, but qualified for the knockout game as one of the two best third-placed sides, alongside Mali in group C.
Critical players
South Africa
Lebohang Ramalepe
The pacey right-back, now used as a wing-back, has thrived in attacking roles. Her ability to deliver quality crosses and track back defensively will be crucial.
Bambanani Mbane
The composed centre-back is comfortable on the ball and often initiates attacks. Her ability to read the game and handle threats like Ndiaye will be vital.
Senegal
Nguenar Ndiaye
Joint top-scorer at Wafcon 2024 with four goals, Ndiaye is central to Senegal's attack. She is strong, fast and clinical.
Mama Diop
The Olympique de Marseille forward brings leadership and tactical intelligence to the field. She has scored two of Senegal's six goals and adds a physical presence up front.