The highly anticipated clash was confirmed after South Africa dramatically edged Senegal 4-1 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw in Ouja. The win sends the defending champions into a titanic showdown with Nigeria, a match already dubbed “the final before the final.”
Nigeria stormed into the semifinals with an emphatic 5-0 win over Zambia, underlining their status as nine-time champions.
However, South Africa have proven they’re no longer underdogs.
The Banyana Banyana defeated Nigeria 2-1 during the 2022 group stage and went on to become champions, while the Super Falcons finished a disappointing fourth.
This latest chapter continues a closely fought rivalry, highlighted by Nigeria’s narrow penalty shootout win over South Africa in the 2018 final. Sparks are set to fly as two African powerhouses battle for a place in the WAFCON final.
Saturday’s quarterfinal between South Africa and Senegal was anything but straightforward, reports SportsVillageSquare. Despite both teams creating chances in extra time, the match went to penalties, where South Africa’s experience proved crucial.
Veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini emerged as the heroine, making two key saves, while South Africa converted all four of their spot kicks with composure.
With the semifinal now set, fans across the continent are bracing for a high-octane encounter between two footballing heavyweights.
The match is expected to draw massive attention, not just for its sporting implications, but for the longstanding rivalry, national pride, and personal battles that define every Nigeria-South Africa showdown.
“It’s always intense, always emotional,” said former Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi. “But we’ve been here before. We know what’s at stake. It’s time to rise.”
Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, with the venue and time to be confirmed by CAF. The winner will advance to the final and take a giant step toward continental glory.
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