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IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Three Banyana Banyana players named in CAF WAFCON's Best XI
The Banyana Banyana trio of Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini and captain Refiloe Jane, pictured, have been named in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) team of the tournament. Photo: Backpagepix Image: BACKPAGEPIX Nigeria's Super Falcons have added another feather to their cap by clinching a historic 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title, and their dominance has been recognised with four players named in the CAF Team of the Tournament, the highest representation from any nation. The Falcons secured their victory following a thrilling 3-2 comeback against the hosts, Morocco, in the final held in Rabat. CAF subsequently unveiled its Best XI, spotlighting the standout performers of the 2024 edition. Leading the way is Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, whose remarkable performances earned her the accolade of Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. With her commanding presence and crucial saves, Nnadozie played a pivotal role in steering the Super Falcons through challenging matches, solidifying her position as a key player throughout the competition. The stars who shined the brightest. ⭐ Meet your Best XI of the Tournament!#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 — CAF Women's Football (@CAFwomen) July 28, 2025 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 ✕ On the defensive front, Nnadozie is joined by Michelle Alozie, the Houston Dash star. Alozie captivated fans with her relentless energy and tactical discipline, building a formidable wall at right back to protect her team's goal. The Nigerian flair is particularly evident in the attack, where team captain Rasheedat Ajibade shone on the right wing. Voted as the Player of the Tournament, Ajibade combined leadership with creativity, showcasing her finishing prowess that propelled Nigeria to success. Lining up alongside her on the left wing is Esther Okoronkwo, who excelled in the final with a dazzling performance. The 27-year-old not only scored once but also assisted two other goals as Nigeria clawed back from a two-goal deficit to seal their victory. With two goals and six assists overall, Okoronkwo emerged as the tournament's most prolific contributor. In the 4-3-3 formation, Karabo Dhlamini from South Africa holds the left-back position, with Portia Boakye from Ghana and Bambanani Mbane, also from South Africa, forming a resilient central defence. The midfield trio consists of Grace Asantewaa (Ghana), Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) — the tournament's top scorer with five goals — and Refiloe Jane (South Africa), creating a dynamic and balanced ensemble. Leading the attack is Morocco's Ibtissam Jraïdi, who also had a stellar tournament, adding depth and experience to the Team of the Tournament.
Daily Maverick
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Defending champions Banyana Banyana crash out of Wafcon after Nigeria defeat
Banyana Bayana's Women's Africa Cup of Nations title defence came to an end with a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday to Nigeria in a semifinal of the Morocco-hosted tournament. Clashes between Banyana Banyana and Nigeria's Super Falcons are always gladiatorial, and theirs is one of the biggest rivalries in women's soccer. The Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) meeting between the two on Tuesday, 22 July at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca was poised to be another colourful chapter in this long-standing rivalry. It ended in a 2-1 victory to Nigeria after a tense 96-minute battle. Nigeria opened the scoring on the cusp of half-time after Bambanani Mbane was penalised for an unfortunate handball. Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade squeezed her spot-kick into the back of the net, past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. On 56 minutes, South Africa won a penalty, which was eventually ratified after a lengthy video assistant referee review. Up stepped playmaker Linda Motlhalo to calmly convert and bring Banyana Banyana level. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in South Africa's favour, with Desiree Ellis's team creating several opportunities, but they were unable to capitalise on this rare period of dominance. A chain of unfortunate events The wind was knocked out of their sails when they lost left winger Gabriela Salgado to a horrific leg injury late in the second half. The Banyana Banyana players were visibly distraught at losing their teammate in that manner, and they never recovered. Michelle Alozie's searching cross from the right wing on 94 minutes somehow evaded everyone in the Banyana box, including charging goalkeeper Dlamini, as it trickled into the goal. The unexpected blow came against the run of play, with extra-time seeming the most likely next chapter of this semifinal story. Sluggish campaign Banyana Banyana did not display the same swagger that helped them clinch their maiden title in 2022. Except for the 4-0 demolition of Mali in the group stage, the team were sluggish throughout this Wafcon campaign. Following this defeat, it's back to the drawing board for South Africa's senior women's soccer side. But first they must fight for the bronze medal. 'Yes, Banyana Banyana did not win the game. But there's still a lot to fight for. They still need to deliver that bronze medal to Gabriela. She deserves a medal. Even Jermaine Seoposenwe [who is retiring] deserves to leave with a bronze medal. So, one more game to go,' said Banyana midfielder Kholosa Biyana on SuperSport. As for the Nigerians, they now have a massive chance to win their 10th title since this continental competition became the Wafcon in 1998. Old rivals The feud between Banyana Banyana and Nigeria dates back to the 1995 edition of the continental tournament, when it was still known as the African Women's Championship. Banyana Banyana and Nigeria met in the final, with the Super Falcons soaring to a ruthless 11-2 aggregate victory in the two-legged decider. In the years that followed, the rivalry has blossomed, with the Nigerians enjoying the most success. At Wafcon, the teams had met five times in the semifinals before the tussle in Casablanca, with the Super Falcons losing only once during those last-four meetings. The most recent encounter between the two at the tournament ended in a 2-1 victory for Banyana Banyana in the group stage of the 2022 edition. Banyana were always going to have a tough task when they came up against a Super Falcons team that was high in confidence after tearing apart Zambia 5-0 in the quarterfinals. The Nigerians were yet to concede a goal at the tournament. Banyana Banyana, on the other hand, scraped into the semifinals after beating Senegal 4-1 on penalties. While Banyana Banyana had dominated recent competitive fixtures between the two teams, the turning point came during the Paris Olympic Games qualifiers in 2024. The Nigerians won 1-0 on aggregate over two legs to book their ticket to France at the expense of the South Africans. Their victory in Morocco is a clear indication that the Nigerians are once again asserting their dominance in this rivalry. DM
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- 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.
BBC News
19-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Holders South Africa win shootout to reach Wafcon semis
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was the star of an otherwise dull game, producing two saves in a 4-1 shootout win as holders South Africa saw off Senegal on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in game had finished goalless after extra time at the Honneur Stadium in guessed the right way to deny the tournament's joint top scorer Nguenar Ndiaye and Meta Kande from the spot while the defending champions converted all of their for Banyana Banyana, it was defender Bambanani Mbane, arguably their best player so far in Morocco, who struck the winning result means that South Africa face Nigeria, who thrashed Zambia 5-0 on Friday, in Tuesday's first semi-final in Casablanca (16:00 GMT).The winners will face either the hosts or Ghana, who beat Algeria on penalties earlier on Saturday to reach the last four.
Morocco World
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
WAFCON Quarterfinals Today: When, How to Watch South Africa vs Senegal
Marrakech – The reigning African champions South Africa will face Senegal today in the quarterfinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco. 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
