Dlamini help Banyana beat Senegal on penalties to book semifinal spot against Nigeria at Wafcon
Banyana forwards Hildah Magaia and Jermaine Seoposenwe were tightly marked and at times had to fetch the ball deep as the Senegalese defended well. Lebohang Ramalepe always gave Banyana options in attack and was the player who looked capable of finding an opening for Banyana.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis made only one change after half time, bringing Amogelang Motau for Sibulela Holweni to shore up a midfield that battled to create as many chances for the strikers in this match.
As much as both sides tried, the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes with no clear-cut chances created on both ends.
In the first half of extra-time Ramalepe was unlucky to have been judged offside after scoring having latched on to an exquisite defence splitting pass by Banyana skipper Refiloe Jane.
Magaia too saw her close range shot in the second half of extra time parried away by a confident Adji Ndiaye in the Senegalese goals. Later a penalty appeal against Magaia was also turned down by the referee after a prolonged VAR examination.
Other than those chances there was very little that both teams did in the extra 30 minutes to show they wanted to avoid going to the penalties.
In the second semifinal also to be played on Tuesday, 2022 runners-up Morocco will face Ghana who also needed penalties to earlier on Saturday to oust Algeria.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
WAFCON titans collide: Banyana and Nigeria in winner-takes-all semi-final
Banyana Banyana will be have to be at the top of their game to overcome former champions Nigeria in the semi-finals of WAFCON on Tuesday, says coach Desiree Ellis. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Two of Africa's premier women's football nations will go toe-to-toe on Tuesday evening when South Africa meet Nigeria in a blockbuster WAFCON semi-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca at 6pm. At stake is more than just a spot in the final — the winner secures automatic qualification to the 2026 Fifa Women's 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, South Africa have registered two wins, Nigeria have claimed one, and two matches have ended in draws. I watched South Africa's game vs Senegal and I wasn't impressed. South Africa at this level has never been easy for Nigeria but I can assure you that this is one the easiest Banyana side we'll meet in recent times due to the absence of their key players especially thembi. — Pamela Taiye Ilekhuoba (@pamelamodella) July 21, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ This includes Banyana's famous 2-1 group-stage triumph over the Super Falcons in the 2022 WAFCON — the same tournament that ended with South Africa lifting the trophy for the very first time. Speaking ahead of this huge clash, Ellis expressed that their win in 2022 will have little influence on proceedings in this match. '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 said. '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. They are the only country that has defended back-to-back on numerous occasions, and it would be big for our country.' Their route to the semis has been far from straightforward. After navigating the group phase, Coach Desiree Ellis' Banyana edged Senegal on penalties in a tense quarter-final that finished 0-0 after extra time. It wasn't their most fluid performance, but it was the kind that champions find a way to win — gritty, focused and unyielding under pressure. We need Chelsea fans to pray the same prayer they prayed for the CWC final, for Banyana Banyana's semi final against Nigeria tomorrow. — Lesilo Rula (@kay_mahapa) July 21, 2025 In contrast, Nigeria cruised into the final four with a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia. Esther Okoronkwo starred with two assists and a goal, while their attacking quartet — including Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade — looked in devastating form. Coach Randy Waldrum's side have been consistent and clinical, and their hunger to reclaim the title they lost in 2022 is clear. Banyana, though, know how to handle the Super Falcons. Their tactical maturity, especially in big games, remains a major asset. The backline, anchored by the experienced Bambanani Mbane, has been solid, while midfielders like Refiloe Jane and Amogelang Motau will be crucial in controlling the rhythm of play. South Africa 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. Banyana Banyana would have to improve substantially to beat Nigeria on Tuesday — ERROL💥💥💥💥💥💥💥 (@errolbsk) July 20, 2025 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 nearly-there contenders to champions with pedigree. They are now battle-tested, cohesive, and know what it takes to grind out results on this stage. There's very little to separate these two teams, and with a World Cup ticket on the line, the margins will be even finer. Tuesday night promises high drama in Casablanca. Whether it's Banyana's discipline or Nigeria's firepower that prevails, one thing is certain: Africa's biggest rivalry will deliver another thrilling chapter — with history and a place on the global stage hanging in the balance.
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana set for WAFCON quarter-final showdown
Former Super Falcons star Ugochi Desire Oparanozie believes beating Banyana Banyana is key to Nigeria reclaiming the WAFCON crown. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Nigeria's Super Falcons are preparing for the 'final before the final' when they take on South Africa's Banyana Banyana in the quarter-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday evening in Morocco. With the stakes at an all-time high, Nigeria have acknowledged the intense competition that awaits them. The Super Falcons, a name synonymous with excellence in African women's football, are on a resolute mission to reclaim the WAFCON title. With nine championships to their name, the Falcons are experiencing a revitalised sense of purpose, driven by the determined mindset instilled by head coach Justin Madugu. This renewed focus on the importance of each match compels the team to draw on their rich legacy and channel their historical strength towards future victories. Former Nigerian international and prolific forward Ugochi Desire Oparanozie has underlined the significance of this encounter, stressing that overcoming Banyana Banyana is essential for Nigeria's ambitions. In an interview with Showmax Premier League, Oparanozie said: 'I believe Nigeria's biggest threat is Banyana Banyana. Once Nigeria can get past Banyana Banyana, the WAFCON is as good as won for the Super Falcons.' The footballing rivalry between Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons is steeped in history, marked by fierce competition and emotionally charged encounters. Earlier this year, Nigeria inflicted a narrow 1-0 aggregate defeat on Banyana in the Paris Olympic Games qualifiers. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In recent years, Banyana Banyana have shown growing resilience against Nigeria — a team that has historically dominated their meetings. Since 2018, Banyana have faced the Super Falcons six times, claiming victory on three occasions. This shift in momentum was particularly evident during the last WAFCON, when South Africa triumphed over Nigeria in the semi-finals. Throughout their illustrious histories, the two teams have met 20 times in official matches. Nigeria hold a notable edge, with 13 wins, three draws, and four victories for South Africa. However, a closer look at the past 13 years reveals a more balanced contest. Since 2012, Banyana Banyana have won four matches to Nigeria's three, with two ending in draws — including the dramatic 2018 WAFCON final, which ended level after regular time and was decided by penalties in Nigeria's favour. One of South Africa's most memorable results came at the Aisha Buhari Cup in 2021, when Banyana stunned the Super Falcons with an impressive 4-2 win on Nigerian soil. That result sent ripples through the continent, signalling that Banyana could go toe-to-toe with Africa's traditional giants — even away from home. As Banyana Banyana prepare to face the Super Falcons once more, the South African side are determined to build on their recent successes and step further out of the shadows of past defeats. Supporters from both nations are eagerly awaiting the latest chapter in this gripping rivalry — a contest sure to showcase the skill, pride and passion that define African women's football.
The Herald
10 hours ago
- The Herald
Ellis wary of fatigue ahead of Banyana semifinal clash against Nigeria
'We won't overthink anything because we want to celebrate what we have done. As a technical team, we are already standing on one side talking about how we are going to plan and how we are going to prepare because 120 minutes with a day less to prepare and a day to travel takes a lot [out of everyone].' Ellis praised Banyana's resilience against Senegal and hopes to see the same against Nigeria. 'We have been practising penalties and we knew who our kickers were going to be and that's why we made the changes we made. We always knew Andile could save one or two; she had done [that] before. 'This was our first penalty shoot-out victory in the Wafcon. We lost it in the 2006 and 2018 finals. I don't have enough words to describe this team — the resilience, the courage, the never-say-die attitude and the willingness to fight for each other. 'No matter what they threw at us, we were able to withstand it.'
