Ellis defends earlier choices as Banyana charge into quarters in style
The South Africans reached the quarterfinals in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 thrashing of Mali in their final Group C match at Stade d'Honneur in Oujda, via goals by Lebohang Ramalepe (fifth minute), captain Refiloe Jane (32nd), Hildah Magaia (61st) and substitute Ronnel Donnelly (79th).
They meet Senegal, who ended third in Group A, in Saturday's quarterfinal at Stade d'Honneur (9pm SA time). Banyana gain an advantage not just from the momentum provided by their big win against Mali and topping Group C with seven points, but also by remaining at the same venue where they played their round robin games. Senegal played two games in Mohammedia and one in Rabat.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis corrected the mistakes she made in the second match against Tanzania, where she made four changes that killed the rhythm of her team from a decent start with a 2-0 win against Ghana, resulting in a disappointing 1-1 draw. She responded to criticism of those decisions saying she does not 'need to justify' her choices.
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GOALKEEPER Andile Dlamini during Banyana Banyana training in Oudja as she looks set for goal posts against Senegal. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePIX BANYANA Banyana head into their CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final against Senegal with momentum and a semi-final spot within reach, following a resounding 4-0 victory over Mali in their final Group C match. South Africa topped the group with seven points — beginning their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ghana, followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw against Tanzania. They closed off the group phase in style, dismantling Mali to book a last-eight tie against a rugged and physical Senegal outfit that finished second in Group B. With Thembi Kgatlana unavailable for the tournament, much of the attacking burden has fallen on the shoulders of Jermaine Seoposenwe, who responded with a commanding performance and a goal in the Mali clash. Her work rate and intelligent movement in the final third remain vital to South Africa's hopes of progressing. BANYANA BANYANA TO THE WORLD 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 No DNA 🧬 just RSA — Auntie (@Auntydiski) July 14, 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 ✕ Midfield maestro Amogelang Motau has also grown into the tournament, controlling the tempo of games and acting as the link between defence and attack. Motau's range of passing and spatial awareness could be key in breaking down Senegal's deep defensive lines. Senegal, known for their physicality and pace on the counter, will pose a serious threat. Hapsatou Diallo has been a standout figure for the West Africans, capable of driving forward with power and testing defenders with her pace. South Africa's central defensive duo of Bambanani Mbane and Tiisetso Makhubela will need to be alert and disciplined throughout. Defensively, Banyana have conceded just once in the tournament and will be buoyed by the likely return of Andile Dlamini in goal. The experienced shot-stopper is expected to reclaim the gloves after Kaylin Swart's uncertain showing against Tanzania earlier in the group stage. The stakes couldn't be higher. Not only is a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, but the winner will also secure qualification to the 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup. From humble beginnings to making African football history Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis shares her inspiring journey 👇#HereForHer | #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 17, 2025 The pressure is immense, but so is the opportunity for this generation of South African players to carve out their legacy. With continental giants like Nigeria and Morocco still in the picture, South Africa's path to a potential second WAFCON title won't be easy. But their ability to respond under pressure, as seen in the final group game, shows they are finding form at the right time. Senegal's journey to the quarter-finals included a win over Algeria and a draw with hosts Morocco, underlining their ability to compete against established sides. Their compact structure and direct approach make them a dangerous knockout opponent. The match will test South Africa's discipline, tactical maturity and ability to seize chances in front of goal. Their strength in midfield and experienced backline offer hope, but clinical finishing will be decisive. As the knockout rounds begin, Banyana Banyana know that the margin for error is thin. But with momentum on their side and a semi-final spot at stake, they'll look to rise to the challenge and edge one step closer to continental glory.
