Defending champions South Africa are through to the semi-finals of the ongoing 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, edging past a resilient Senegal side 4–1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.
In a tense and cagey quarter-final showdown at Stade Moulay Hassan on Saturday night, Banyana Banyana relied on goalkeeper Andile Dlamini’s heroics in the shootout to secure their place in the final four—setting up a blockbuster clash with long-time rivals Nigeria.
A Battle of Nerves and Steel
Both teams had their moments across the 120 minutes, but neither could find the breakthrough despite creating several chances. South Africa looked the more threatening in attack, with Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Karabo Dhlamini all testing the Senegalese backline.
Senegal, playing with grit and discipline, looked to Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye for inspiration, but found no way past Dlamini, who delivered a commanding performance in goal—including a crucial late save that helped preserve the deadlock.
VAR briefly paused the game to review a potential South African penalty, but the decision was overturned, and the match remained tightly balanced until the end of extra time.
Dlamini the Hero in Shootout
The tension peaked in the penalty shootout, where Andile Dlamini rose to the occasion. The 31-year-old stopper saved Senegal’s first and third spot-kicks, denying both Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé, giving her side the decisive edge.
On the other end, South Africa’s penalty takers were ice-cold under pressure. Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane all scored with confidence. Mbane’s stunning top-corner finish sealed a 4–1 win and sparked jubilant celebrations on the South African bench.
Next Stop: Nigeria
The result sets up a highly anticipated semi-final showdown between South Africa and nine-time champions Super Falcons of Nigeria, a rivalry that has defined women’s football on the continent for decades.
South Africa will head into the tie with confidence, having defeated the Super Falcons in the group stage of the last edition before going on to win their maiden WAFCON title in 2022.
But with Nigeria in red-hot form and yet to concede a goal in the tournament, Tuesday’s semi-final clash promises fireworks as both teams chase continental supremacy and a place in the final.