The stage is set for one of the biggest matches in African women’s football as Nigeria’s Super Falcons take on South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.
Nigeria, aiming for a record 10th WAFCON title, have been strong throughout the tournament.
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They are yet to concede a goal and showed their strength with a 5-0 win over Zambia in the quarter-finals.
With top players like Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo in form, the Super Falcons are looking sharp and ready.
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South Africa, the defending champions, also have history with Nigeria.
They defeated the Falcons 2-1 in the group stage of the last WAFCON and went on to win the trophy.
Though they had to rely on the lottery of penalty kicks to get past Sengal in their quarter final match, Desiree Ellis’ ladies remain confident of causing another upset against Nigeria.
READ ALSO: WAFCON 2024: Ruthless Super Falcons crush Zambia, storm into semifinals
This match is more than just a semi-final — it’s a battle between two of Africa’s biggest teams, each fighting for a spot in the final and a chance at glory.
Kickoff is at 5 p.m. at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Stay with PREMIUM TIMES for LIVE UPDATES and full coverage of this exciting clash.
This is how Banyana_Banyana will line up against Nigeria in the semi-final of WAFCON 2024… We have a crunch ahead of us this evening
Less than an hour to kick off ..
Coach Justin Madugu has named an unchanged line-up from the team that started the quarterfinal match against Zambia.
Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, and Toni Payne are all on the bench.
KICKOFF! The game is officially underway in Casablanca
Bright start by the Super Falcons still goalless after the first five minutes
In 10 previous Women AFCON clashes between both nations, Nigeria have been triumphant six times, with South Africa winning on three occasions.
The only one that ended in a draw (2018 Women AFCON Final) was eventually won by Nigeria following a penalty shootout. If this game ends in a draw, it goes to extra time and then penalties if need be
Nigerian fans in the stand enjoying the game though still goalless
Games temporarily halted as a South African Player is being stretched out
Games is back on
Game halted again as the South Africa Goalkeeper is down on the turf after badging into Chiwendu Ihezuo
Dlamini finally back on her feet as play resumes
The South Africans are bossing possession so far with over 61% Ball possession
This semi final clash has been quite physical
Ohale Osinachi back on her feet but had to stil go out of the pitch
We are at the half hour mark and the game remains goalless
Plumptre with the throw and ball rolls off for a corner kick
The corner kick goes straight into the waiting hands of the South Africa Goalkeeper Dlamini
Chiwendu Ihezuo does well to regain possession for the Super Falcons
Accurate passes by Banyana Banyana is almost double that of the Super Falcons
Anxious moment for the Super Falcons but the effort by the South African forward sails off the target
Ijamilusi with a good move inside the South Africa box but her intended pass was intercepted
PENALTY… Ijamilusi wins a kick for Nigeria
Ajibade to take it for the Super Falcons and she scores!!
Lucky one for Ajibade… The South Africa Goalkeeper had a hand on the ball but it couldn’t stop the gold for the Super Falcons
Half Time: Nigeria 1-0 South Africa
Rasheedat Ajibade’s goal from the penalty spot is the difference between the two teams after the first 45 minutes
The second half has been lively and the Nigerian fans have been quite vocal
Great ball by Alozie to Okoronkwo but the South Africans clear their lines
South Africa awarded a penalty for a foul by Ohale Osinachi
Can Chiamaka Nnadozie save the penalty?
Linda scores and South Africa are level
South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-1 the last time they faced in a WAFCON match… Hopefully there won’t be a repeat this evening
Injured Echegini has made way for Christian Ucheibe
Games between Nigeria and South Africa at WAFCON has produced 24 goals.. Nigeria has 17 while Banyana Banyana has netted seven times
70 Minutes gone… Nigeria 1-1 South Africa
South Africa come quite close to getting a second goal… Ohale Osinachi was at the right place at the right time to clear off the line
Yellow card: Halimat Ayinde gets a booking for a reckless tackle
Great attempt by South Africa… The ball just went off the bar
Deborah Abiodun has been brought on for Halimat Ayinde
South Africa have put a lot of pressure on the Super Falcons’ defence in this second half
An injury scare for Banyana Banyana
Salgado is the injured South African Player, she looks destined to be stretched out
SUBSTITUTION: Holweni comes in for the injured Salgado
Six minutes added time
GOAL!! Alozie would be credited with the goal
Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
It was 2-1 in favour of South Africa last time.. now it is 2-1 in favour of Nigeria
