South Africa edge resilient Senegal to advance to TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON semi-finals
Following 120 minutes of tense, goalless football, Banyana Banyana triumphed 4–1 in the shootout to secure a semi-final date with Nigeria thanks to heroic saves by Andile Dlamini.
The match was a tightly contested affair from the first whistle, with both sides creating chances but lacking the finishing touch. South Africa saw efforts from Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia and Karabo Dhlamini denied by Senegal's resolute defending and the excellent goalkeeping of Adji Ndiaye.
Senegal threatened through Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye, but the in-form Dlamini stood tall in goal for South Africa with a commanding performance, including crucial saves late in the match.
VAR waved off a potential South African penalty, and chances remained few and far between as both teams prepared for a decisive shootout.
In the penalty drama that followed, it was Dlamini who emerged as the hero, making two decisive saves—first denying Nguenar Ndiaye and then Méta Kandé—to swing the momentum firmly in South Africa's favour.
Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane all converted with precision, showing nerves of steel.
Mbane's top-corner finish sealed a 4–1 shootout win and sent South Africa into a blockbuster semi-final against familiar foes Nigeria.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
2 hours ago
- CAF
Seoposenwe calls it a day, leaves WAFCON legacy
Tears of relief can be a thing. For Jermaine Seoposenwe, the end of the penalty shootout against Ghana in the third-place playoff at the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 on Friday, was the end of her journey with the South African national women's football team. A 15-year journey in national team colours filled with pride, hard work and overall excellence is what will go down memory lane. So many told and untold stories along the way, teammates that became family, trips overseas and most importantly – the fulfilment of a childhood dream. Seoposenwe, who was born in Cape Town, was the first female to score a goal for South Africa at a World Cup in 2010 and has since grown into a crucial member for the Banyana Banyana. Cheeky off the field with her teammates, tough on the field of play against her opponents and sleek in her touch on the ball. Graceful after games regardless of the result. A treasure. Lasting legacy Every girl that loves and wants to play football dreams of representing her nation. For Seoposenwe, she realized this dream. In her glowing career with the Banyana Banyana, she scored the goal that took South Africa to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil which she also competed at, played at two FIFA Women's World Cups (2019 and 2023) as well as four WAFCON editions (2016, 2018, 2022 and 2025). And as South Africa's number 12 retires from international football after amassing 112 caps, she wraps up what has been an immense contribution to a golden generation of South African football. An inspiration to many a young girl and a downright trailblazer. Her former teammate and ex Banyana Banyana international Amanda Dlamini told CAFOnline that, 'She has had a very colourful and rewarding journey in the national team. When I met her, she was young, had raw talent and was very ambitious with a great fighting spirit. She's been able to maintain that over the years. Like many, she had her own challenges and experiences that I think shaped the amazing player and leader we have seen over the years stepping into the centenary club which is not easy. It means she's had to stand the test of time and show great consistency for the national team. She will be missed for her fearlessness on the park, her confidence and composure in the striking force.' Seoposenwe was part of the WAFCON 2022 winning squad that made history – finally breaking the jinx on the continent. The 28-year-old at the time netted twice in the tournament. Her first coming against perennial archrivals Nigeria in a 2-1 win in the opening Group C tie while her second goal was the all-important lone finish against Tunisia in the last eight to book a place in the semifinals. 'Obviously, I made that decision before the tournament and so coming into the tournament, I have been very settled, very calm. A lot of the players have joked with me about my legacy and all those things, but it's very interesting to be in that position. Obviously, in the past I wasn't that person but now I am and it's a responsibility that I've accepted. And I do appreciate it the way they see me and the leader that I've been for them. But for me, it's just been the sense of relief. I don't know if that's the word to use, but I also have a sense of calmness,' Seoposenwe explained in detail. Tributes from Desiree Ellis and Refiloe Jane From the coach and captain's corner, Seoposenwe can hold her head up high even though her last game in a Banyana Banyana jersey ensured that the defending champions finished fourth – missing the podium after a 3-4 loss to Ghana following a 1-1 draw after regular time. Both Ellis and Jane have alongside the entire players' squad and technical staff been supportive of Seoposenwe's decision before and during the competition in a holistic way. Whether it was in moments of joy or when the going got tough. Teamwork by all means. 'What a legacy she leaves behind! I have known Jermaine since the age of 15. She went to the 2010 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, scored our first goal at the World Cup for a women's team. And in that same year, she played at the WAFCON in 2010 in South Africa. Two years later, she played at the London 2012 Olympics and then she played at the WAFCON 2012 in Equatorial Guinea. She was part of that squad that beat Nigeria in the semifinals where she got the silver medal at the age of 19! It says something about Jermaine,' Ellis explained in detail. 'Two successive World Cups, two successive Olympic Games, 2018 silver at the WAFCON, 2022 African champion, 2023 World Cup Round of 16 but there is so, so, so much to Jermaine. A fighter, a leader and someone who gave everything to take this team forward. I don't think we can thank her enough, but we honour her, and we carry her spirit with us. And to be honest, I don't think we have enough words to say thank you to Jermaine for everything that she's done. She's always stepped onto the field, gave her all on the field and that is who Jermaine is. Leaving everything out there, stepping up in 2022 when Thembi [Kgatlana] got injured after not being part of the team for a long while due to visa issues and that is who Jermaine is.' Jane, who has known Seoposenwe for over a decade and with whom the Banyana Banyana won the WAFCON 2022, spoke about her glorious career, 'Jermaine has been a very important figure in the team. From when she was still a teenager to now upon her retirement. She's contributed immensely on and off the field and she leaves an amazing legacy – one for upcoming players to look forward to and to carry on with that.' 'Obviously, we would have loved to give her a perfect sendoff, but we couldn't do it. I hope that she can be proud of the performance of the team throughout the tournament. We know that she still has a lot to offer to football. She might be done with the national team, but she is still going to continue playing football and so much is still to be learnt from her.' South Africa finished fourth at the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. What Next? Seoposenwe, who features for CF Monterrey in the Mexican topflight league, will continue featuring at club level. The 31-year-old has played at home in South Africa for the University of Western Cape as well as played in leagues in Lithuania, Spain, Portugal before heading to Mexico. Three continents and Seoposenwe continues shining. Dlamini who is also a member of the 100+ caps with South Africa and is currently working as a broadcaster said, 'I think she's established herself very well outside of being in the national team, so she still has plenty seasons to play at club level.' 'She has a degree and surely big plans for the future. But she should know that she will have to work hard for herself when there's no support of people doing things for her like the football environment does. Everything is done for you (laughs). She should learn to pivot at every juncture as she is yet to discover so much about herself. It's about building a network of people who will be able to hold you up outside of your family, that support structure will always and there but community is equally important in this space.' Seoposenwe holds a Marketing Degree from Samford University in Alabama.
CAF
6 hours ago
- CAF
Morocco - Nigeria: The Final of a New Era
This Saturday at 9pm (local time), the Olympic Stadium in Rabat will vibrate to the rhythm of a historic match: the 13th TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations final pits Morocco against Nigeria. Two giants of African Women's Football are preparing to faceoff in a thrilling atmosphere, in front of a Moroccan crowd seeking an unprecedented home title. This 2024 edition was marked by the spectacular rise of the Atlas Lionesses, under the leadership of Jorge Vilda, while the Super Falcons, led by Justin Madugu, are aiming for a 10th continental title. This matchup between a conquering Morocco and an experienced Nigeria promises to be a high-flying display of fine talent, combining determination, pride and passion. A legendary setting for a tense final The 21,000-seater Olympic Stadium in Rabat is the ideal setting for this grand evening. "Playing in front of our home crowd is an immense source of energy. This stadium is more than a pitch, it's an arena where our dreams can come to life," revealed Vilda, Morocco's Spanish coach, aware of the importance of this match for his team and his country. His opponent Madugu, the Nigerian coach, knows that they will have to overcome the local pressure: "We know the stakes and the intensity of the Moroccan crowd. But our players have experience in major finals and know how to handle this type of match." Morocco: A football revolution underway With a second consecutive final, the Atlas Lionesses have confirmed that they are now a major force on the continent. Their team play, orchestrated by Vilda, impresses with its fluidity, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit. "Our strength lies in our cohesion. We have worked hard to get to this point. Each player knows what they have to do on the pitch," emphasizes Vilda. The latter, who previously coached the Spanish women's national team, has instilled tactical rigor and a winning spirit into a team that is discovering its identity. On the offensive side, Morocco can count on brilliant talents like captain fantastic Ghizlane Chebbak and Ibtissam Jraidi, capable of making the difference at any moment. For the Moroccan staff, this final is also a symbolic step in the development of Women's Football in Morocco - a division that is booming thanks to the support of the federation and modern infrastructure. Nigeria: A heavyweight on the continent, still formidable Nigeria remains the undisputed benchmark in African Women's Football. With nine titles under their belt, the Super Falcons command respect. Their history is rich, made up of generations of talented players and a deeply rooted winning culture. Madugu focuses on the balance between youth and experience. "We have a highly motivated group of players, aware of the pressure of a final. They are ready to give their all," he explains. Nigeria have often shown that they can raise their level of play when the competition becomes intense. Their strong team spirit, athleticism, and lethal counterattack ability make them a formidable team. This final represents an opportunity for them to continue writing their legend and silence those who believe that Nigerian Women's Football is losing momentum. The Tactical Duel: Vilda vs Madugu On the bench, Vilda and Madugu are engaged in a duel of strategy. The former, known for his methodical style, has instilled rigorous discipline in Morocco, emphasizing a composed style of play based on ball control and intelligent pressing. The latter, at the helm of Nigeria, favours energetic and direct football, seeking to exploit the speed and physical power of his attackers. This tactical contrast makes the clash even more interesting. "It will be an intense match, where every detail will count," warns Vilda. "We'll have to be ready to counter their strengths, while imposing our own pace." Madugu, for his part, is relying on the confidence his players have gained throughout the competition: "We know Morocco is a strong team, but we have our own game plan." The Stakes and Symbolic Dimension For Morocco, a victory would be a crowning achievement, a first in the history of national women's football. This triumph would symbolize the emergence of a new African power, capable of competing with the continent's top teams. "It's not just a match. It's a message for the entire country. Women's football is making great strides, and this final is an opportunity to show the world that we belong," summarizes Vilda. For Nigeria, it's a matter of heritage and pride. Winning a 10th title would reinforce their status as a force to be reckoned with and consolidate their dominance. But it is also about proving that they are still at the top despite the rise of other nations. On Saturday in Rabat, it is much more than just two teams facing off. The history of African Women's Football is being written, with a glorious past and a promising future. Nigeria, guardians of a victorious tradition, and Morocco, symbol of an ambitious renaissance, will offer an intense, technical, and passionate exhibition of quality football. This final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat promises an evening of celebration and strong emotions, where every pass, every tackle, every shot could change the destiny of this exceptional encounter.
CAF
2 days ago
- CAF
Nine days to go: CHAN is the start of Kenya football revolution
Benni McCarthy is a name that needs little introduction in African football. The South African legend, who lit up the pitch as a striker for Bafana Bafana and won the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto, has now stepped into the dugout as head coach of Kenya's Harambee Stars. His first major test? The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 – a competition exclusively reserved for players active in domestic leagues. McCarthy, who left his role at English Premier League giants Manchester United, has taken on the challenge of leading Kenya not just in a debut CHAN tournament, but also as one of the co-hosts, alongside Tanzania and Uganda. It's a baptism of fire that the charismatic coach embraces with the same passion that marked his playing days. In this candid Q&A with McCarthy shares his thoughts on Kenya's preparations, the hunger of his squad, managing a tough group, and how CHAN is a springboard for his long-term vision for Kenyan football – including the road to AFCON 2027. Confident, passionate and hungry for history, McCarthy believes the stars are aligning for Harambee Stars. Coach, how significant is it for Kenya to host this CHAN tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda? It is very important for East African countries to show Africa and the world that they are well structured, organized and have the capabilities to make themselves heard. This is also a great opportunity for East Africa just to show their facilities, infrastructure, organization and what they can bring to everyone else coming to watch the CHAN. When it comes to football, they have a chance to show just how far they have come and grown to become hopefully one day forces in African football. Group A includes former champions like DR Congo and Morocco—how do you plan to navigate such a tough group? Whoever drew these balls…. Mariga (Macdonald) killed us.. (laughs). But, honestly, it's a great challenge. When you play football and then convert to become a coach, you always have that saying that to win anything you've got to beat the best. For you to get to what you want, to be the best, the difficult teams will always be in your path and you have to beat them anyway. We have a great opportunity with two-time champions in the DRC and Morocco, Angola which is also very well respected as well as a tough nation in Zambia who have always been there in Africa football. And now, we have a Kenya who want to have a taste of the top. This is our time and the squad we have gathered is hungry and want success. How better than start this in your own backyard. We play our matches on our home ground infront of the home fans and this is a perfect opportunity to do exceptionally well and eliminate teams that could probably get to final early. This will be a massive challenge and a good test for the boys as well. We will be ready and come CHAN, I can very confidently state that we will be a team fearful of no one. What are your expectations from the local-based players representing Kenya at CHAN 2024? I have watched lots of them in the league and I know that we have picked quality. I have also had the chance to for a few training camps after I arrived here and I got a first-hand experience to work with some of these players and judge them by myself. I see them and what levels they are at hand what I think we can get them to be. They have a mentality, mindset, work ethic and talent to get the work done. I know their abilities and I know what they can do. Now it is just a matter of implementing it on the pitch on matchday. How has the support from the FKF and government impacted your team's preparation? Honestly, it has been amazing. With the limitations that are there, they try to give us everything. They are doing the best they can knowing that this is not the same ideal situation like for the coach of England or France national team who have everything at their disposal. For Africa, it is a process but we are working to get to the level where the established nations are and it is just a matter of time. We are moving in the right direction and that is helpful when you see they are trying, then as a coach you become a bit lenient with expectations but I am truly grateful to FKF and the government because they have been very supportive throughout. In terms of tactics, how different is CHAN compared to other continental tournaments? I think they don't differ much this is just the same continental competition with equal pressure, equal expectation. The only difference is that you are playing with local based players. But in terms of the pressure, and what you want to do and implement as a coach, it is the same. This is the first time CHAN will be hosted across three countries. How do you plan to manage the logistical and travel challenges? This will be a great opportunity to see Tanzania and Uganda if we manage to get to that stage of the competition. For us it is not much about a challenge because football world over is about travelling and movement across different cultures, different languages and all and this will give the players a better understanding that if you make it in football this will be part of your daily life. You have to adapt real quick. For us we are lucky that we are playing all our group stage matches at home and we will try to finish on top so that at least we also play the knockouts a home. What role do you expect the Kenyan fans in Nairobi to play in motivating the team? The fans have a huge role to play in every tournament especially for the home team. Throughout my career both as a coach and player I have seen what kind of difference the home crowd can make. This is the point where we want to have a full stadium every time we play because we need that 12th man push. We are not in an easy group and for such you need every little advantage you can get for yourself. The fans will play a really huge role. We saw the kind of passion Kenyan fans when we played at home against Gabon and we want to witness that same passion at Kasarani on August 3 when we play our first match against DR Congo. Which local clubs have contributed the most players to the squad, and what does that say about domestic football? We have tried to put in a balance from across the leagues. Of course we didn't have an ideal situation especially towards the end of the season with several venue closures because of the CHAN preparations and this limited the number of local matches we watched. But those I watched plus the number of local training camps we had already gave me a picture of who to use. I think the Kenyan league is growing and we are yet to see the best of it. There is more space for growth and improvement but I am really impressed with the quality and competition in the league. What would you consider a successful CHAN campaign for Kenya? When you are champions, that is success. Anything else, that's progress especially in a short space of time. We need to see how far the players have come and how well they have done. So far, they have pushed themselves to a decent standard where we expect bigger and better things. But the ultimate success, is to win CHAN. Beyond CHAN, how do you plan to use this experience to build towards AFCON 2027? The experience I want out of this is that you have a team so well groomed, they end up leaving international players out of the senior team because of how well they have done and how competitive the locals have become. This will only be of massive benefit to the national team, the players themselves and the country. I hope that this team becomes so formidable that it will become difficult to integrate the international players. This is the best test for them.
