Banyana on cusp of FIFA World Cup qualification
South Africa go into the encounter as favourites, since they're the defending Afcon champions and have beaten the Lionesses of Teranga twice in three meetings.
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The Citizen
13 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Banyana or Nigeria? Who will win the battle of the best?
The top two sides in Africa go head-to-head in the WAFCON semifinals. Desiree Ellis is looking to win a second WAFCON in a row with Banyana Banyana. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Banyana Banyana and Nigeria – the top two sides on the continent – will meet on Tuesday in the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in what promises to be a titanic battle. Desiree Ellis' Banyana are the reigning African champions, and determined to defend a title they won for the first time three years ago. Nigeria have worn the WAFCON crown a record nine times, and the Super Falcons gave a sign of their intent to get it back from Banyana in the quarterfinals, hammering Zambia 5-0. Banyana will hope they do not have too many tired legs at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Tuesday, after a quarterfinal that went all the way to penalties against Senegal. It is Ellis' side, however, who may hold a psychological edge, having beaten Nigeria in 2022, in the group stages of the WAFCON en route to winning the title. Banyana also beat Nigeria in the group stages at the previous WAFCON in 2018, though it was the Super Falcons who turned the tables on Ellis' side in the final, winning on penalties to capture that ninth crown. It is also Nigeria who are ranked higher on the continent than Banyana, and Randy Waldrum's side are favourites to win on Tuesday, priced by Betway at 1.75. Banyana are surely worth an outside bet at 4.40, however, with the draw at 3.30. Also on Tuesday, Ghana will play host Morocco in the other WAFCON semifinal at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Morocco are heavy favourites to reach at second successive final, priced at 1.54 to Ghana's 5.60 with a draw at 3.65. Morocco forward Ghizlane Chebbak is one to look out for – she bagged four goals in the group stages including a hat trick against DR Congo. Please note that the Betway odds are correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
The Citizen
43 minutes ago
- The Citizen
We must play like the champions we are
'Hopefully we can go to the final and bringing the cup back home would be the cherry on top,' added the Banyana forward. Gabriela Salgado says Banyana are ready to take on Nigeria in the WAFCON semifinals on Tuesday. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Banyana Banyana forward Gabriela Salgado says it is up to South Africa to show they are the best in the continent when they take on the Super Falcons of Nigeria on Tuesday in the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). ALSO READ: Chiefs out to set stall for new season in Toyota Cup Banyana are defending the title they won three years ago, beating Nigeria along the way and hosts Morocco in the final to become African champions for the first time. Banyana have the form If Nigeria have the continental pedigree, with nine WAFCON titles to their name, it is Banyana who have the recent form. Banyana have beaten Nigeria in two of their last three meetings at a WAFCON finals. 'We are defending champions, we must just go and play like the champions we are,' Salgado said ahead of Tuesday's game at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. 'We have the whole country behind us and our families at home, they are backing us and believe in us. It is just about believing in ourselves, in each other and playing the football we know how to play. Whatever chances we get, we need to take them.' If they can get past Nigeria, Banyana would be odds on for a second straight WAFCON title. 'Hopefully we can go to the final and bringing the cup back home would be the cherry on top,' added Salgado, who missed out on the last WAFCON triumph through injury. 'Being in a final would be amazing (personally),' she said. 'The team is prepared' 'But my teammates play a big role too. We are a good group of players who celebrate each other's wins. In women's football we boost each other, we want each other to succeed. But to succeed for myself and my fans would (also) be something incredible. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso reacts to being honoured in Portugal 'The team is prepared. We are ready and know what we have to do.'
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Key match-ups to decide Banyana Banyana's semi-final clash against Nigeria
HILDAH Magaia and Lebohang Ramalepe lead Banyana Banyana players in celebration against Mali. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix As Banyana Banyana prepare for a fierce WAFCON semi-final showdown against Nigeria, the game will hinge on individual duels across the pitch. These head-to-head match-ups could determine who advances to the final and secures automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Women's World Cup. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Andile Dlamini vs Asisat Oshoala Dlamini's experience and composure in goal were pivotal in the shootout win over Senegal. She now faces a major test against Oshoala, who remains a constant threat with her pace, power and killer instinct. If Nigeria start creating chances, Dlamini's ability to command her area will be crucial. Bambanani Mbane vs Esther Okoronkwo Banyana Banyana centre back Bambanani Mbane has been one of the best defenders in the tournament. Image: BACKPAGEPIX Mbane brings calm leadership to Banyana's defence and will be tasked with containing Okoronkwo, who was sensational against Zambia with a goal and two assists. Mbane's reading of the game and timely interventions will need to be spot-on to keep the Nigerian forward quiet. Linda Motlhalo vs Deborah Abiodun Motlhalo's creativity and set-piece quality give Banyana a cutting edge in midfield. But Abiodun's tenacity and defensive work rate will make time and space scarce. This midfield tussle could swing the balance of the game, especially if either side dominates possession. Jermaine Seoposenwe vs Ashleigh Plumptre Jermaine Seoposenwe of South Africa. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Seoposenwe's ability to beat defenders and find pockets of space makes her one of South Africa's most dangerous wide players. Plumptre is strong in the challenge and tactically disciplined — she'll need to be alert to Seoposenwe's drifting runs and eye for a clever pass. Hildah Magaia vs Tosin Demehin Magaia's physicality and goal sense give Banyana a real presence up front. She thrives in tight spaces and knows how to find half-chances. Demehin will have to keep a close watch on her movement in and around the box, especially during transitions. These battles could ultimately shape the narrative — and the destiny — of both teams.
