Nigeria’s Super Falcons will lock horns with defending champions South Africa today in a highly anticipated Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Casablanca.
The match brings together two continental giants, with Nigeria seeking revenge for their 2022 group-stage defeat and South Africa aiming to prove their title run was no fluke.
History favours the Falcons, who have won eight of 11 WAFCON meetings, but Banyana Banyana’s recent rise has closed the gap.
Coach Justine Madugu has acknowledged South Africa’s evolution under Desiree Ellis, calling them worthy champions. “They took the crown from us, and we want to do the same,” Madugu said.
South Africa’s Ellis believes her players don’t need reminders of what’s at stake. “It’s like a derby. The players know who they’re up against,” she said confidently.
Nigeria’s route to the semis has been commanding, with nine goals scored and none conceded. South Africa, despite a nervy quarter-final win on penalties over Senegal, have shown resilience.
The encounter also carries Olympic aftershocks. Nigeria edged South Africa earlier this year in a tight qualifier, denying Ellis’s side a place at Paris 2024.
With a place in Sunday’s final on the line, both teams are braced for another fierce chapter in this storied rivalry.Bottom of Form
