WAFCON Quarterfinals Today: When, How to Watch South Africa vs Senegal
The match kicks off at 8 p.m. local time and will be broadcast live on Arryadia (TNT), beIN Sports, CANAL+, New World TV, SuperSport, and other international networks.
South Africa enters the match as favorites, having topped Group C with 7 points from two victories and one draw.
The Banyana Banyana have been joint top scorers in the tournament so far with seven goals from seven different players, including Bambanani Mbane, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Lebohang Ramalepe, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, and Ronnel Donnelly.
Head coach Desiree Ellis remains undefeated in open play at the WAFCON over three editions, currently standing at 14 games including 11 wins and three draws while keeping eight clean sheets.
Ellis stated about their approach: 'We trust the process. If you underestimate a team, before you notice it, the game has gone. We have played Senegal before, but this is a completely new game, new part of the competition.'
Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has been impressive, yet to concede a goal after featuring in two games against Ghana and Mali, making five saves in each match.
Senegal qualified for the quarterfinals as one of the best third-placed teams from Group A, which many considered the tournament's toughest group. The Teranga Lionesses opened with a resounding 4-0 victory against DR Congo before losing narrowly to Zambia 2-3 and Morocco 0-1.
This marks Senegal's third WAFCON appearance and second consecutive quarterfinal. A win today would write a new chapter in their football history, taking them to the semifinals for the first time.
'This matchup is in favour of South Africa. They are the favourites, and we are the challengers. We need to throw everything at this game. If we win, it will be our first time to go to the semifinals, and we shall have done that by beating the champions of Africa,' said Senegal's coach Moussa Cisse.
Senegal forward Pascaline Fofana Bassene expressed confidence ahead of the match: 'We are motivated. We managed to come this far in the tournament so we will stay focused. We respect South Africa. They are the title holders. We are here to represent our nation and to do our best.'
This will be the second meeting between these two teams at WAFCON, with South Africa winning 1-0 at the 2012 edition in Equatorial Guinea. The teams also met in two friendly games in Thies last year, with Senegal forcing a 1-1 draw in the first encounter before South Africa won 2-0 in the second match.
Both teams have shown offensive capabilities in the tournament, with a 20% shot conversion rate. South Africa scored seven goals in their group games while Senegal netted six times. Defensively, both teams have faced 13 shots on target, with South Africa conceding just once while Senegal have conceded three goals.
South Africa has looked vulnerable from set pieces – a weakness Senegal may exploit. Without star player Thembi Kgatlana, some question if Banyana Banyana might miss that true star quality in a crucial knockout game.
Senegal has impressed with their speed and directness on counter attacks, featuring one of the best forward units in the competition. Their forwards Mama Diop, Nguenar Ndiaye and Sadigatou Diallo could pose serious threats to the South African defense.
The winner of today's match will advance to the semifinals in Casablanca, facing Nigeria who defeated Zambia 5-0 on Friday.
Today's WAFCON quarterfinals also feature Algeria against Ghana at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane at 5 p.m. local time. The winner will face Morocco, who defeated Mali 3-1, in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 22. Tags: senegalSouth AfricaWAFCON
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