Super Falcons Set for WAFCON Semifinal Showdown with South Africa

The stage is set for an exciting Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 semifinal as Nigeria’s Super Falcons face long-time rivals, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.

Nigeria, nine-time WAFCON champions, booked their place in the last four with a commanding 5-0 victory over Zambia on Friday. The Falcons put on a brilliant display with goals from Osinachi Ohale, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Tosin Demehin, and Folashade Ijamilusi. The result was Zambia’s second-heaviest defeat to Nigeria in the competition’s history, with the worst being a 6-0 loss in 1998.

South Africa confirmed their place in the semifinals after a tense goalless draw against Senegal on Saturday in Oujda. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was the hero, saving three penalties in a 4-1 shootout victory for Banyana Banyana.

This clash will be the fifth time Nigeria and South Africa meet in a WAFCON semifinal. Nigeria have won three of their previous four encounters, including a famous 5-0 victory in 2002. South Africa’s only semifinal win over Nigeria came in 2012 with a narrow 1-0 triumph.

Both teams are familiar with the pressure of this stage. Nigeria have reached more WAFCON semifinals than any other side, while South Africa have made it to the last four for the 11th time — second only to the Falcons.

In the other semifinal, hosts Morocco will face three-time runners-up Ghana. Morocco defeated Mali 3-1 in their quarterfinal, while Ghana edged Algeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless match. Neither Morocco nor Ghana have won the WAFCON title, which means history could be made on that side of the draw.

All eyes, however, will be on the clash between Nigeria and South Africa — a game that promises passion, power, and top-class football.