The stage is now set for a mouthwatering 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations semifinal showdown as Nigeria’s Super Falcons take on arch-rivals South Africa.
The clash between the Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons is set to reignite one of the continent’s fiercest women’s football rivalries.
Nine-time champions Nigeria booked their spot in the last four on Friday after a commanding 5-0 demolition of Zambia, a performance that reinforced their status as title favourites.
The highly anticipated quarterfinal turned out to be a one-sided affair, as the Falcons ran riot with five different scorers: Osinachi Ohale, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Tosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi all finding the back of the net.
The win was Zambia’s second-heaviest WAFCON defeat to Nigeria, the worst being a 6-0 thumping back in 1998.
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However, Nigeria had to wait over 24 hours to learn their next opponent, as South Africa and Senegal played out a tense goalless draw in Saturday’s late quarterfinal in Oujda.
It was goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who stole the spotlight, saving three penalties in the shootout to hand Banyana Banyana a 4-1 victory on spot-kicks.
The upcoming clash between Nigeria and South Africa will be the fifth time both giants meet at the WAFCON semifinal stage.
Historically, Nigeria lead with three wins from four, including the memorable 5-0 rout in 2002. South Africa’s only win at this stage came in 2012 with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Both teams are no strangers to this level of competition.
Nigeria have made more WAFCON semifinal appearances than any other side, while South Africa have now reached the last four for a eye-catching 11th time — second only to the Falcons.
Elsewhere, hosts Morocco will face three-time runners-up Ghana in the other semifinal.
Morocco saw off Mali 3-1 in their quarterfinal, while Ghana edged Algeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless regulation time.
Neither Morocco nor Ghana have won the WAFCON title, meaning history could be made on that side of the draw.
However, all eyes will be on the heavyweight clash between Nigeria and South Africa — a match that promises passion, power, and pedigree.
