WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons, Banyana Banyana Set for Epic Semi-Final Battle

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu and his South African counterpart Desiree Ellis are fired up ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final showdown at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Tuesday (today).

The highly anticipated clash pits nine-time champions Super Falcons of Nigeria against defending champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa in what promises to be a titanic battle between two of the continent’s most dominant forces.

Nigeria have historically held the upper hand, winning eight of their 11 WAFCON encounters against South Africa and outscoring Banyana Banyana 16-5. However, the reigning champions are no longer the underdogs they once were, having famously defeated Nigeria in the group stage of the 2022 edition before going on to lift their maiden WAFCON title.

Madugu acknowledged the growth of Ellis’s side, noting the quality and consistency that have brought them this far.

“They have a very good team. For them to have won all their games to get here, obviously, we must appreciate and respect what they have done. So, we are not taking that for granted,” Madugu said.

Ellis, on her part, dismissed any suggestion that her team required additional motivation ahead of this high-stakes encounter.

“We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis was quoted by CAF Online.

“You don’t judge teams based on their last game. But the prestige is equally there. They’ll be favourites as defending champions. They took the crown from us, and we want to do the same.”

The Banyana coach also drew confidence from their previous triumph over Nigeria and the long-standing rivalry between the two teams.

“It’s like a derby where you know who you’re up against. The players understand Nigeria’s strength. The motivation is the semi-final itself – and the rivalry speaks volumes.”

Interestingly, both coaches have been navigating this tournament without formal contracts from their respective federations, yet have shown remarkable composure in guiding their teams to the final four.

Nigeria head into the clash with attacking momentum, having netted nine goals in four matches – second only to hosts Morocco, who have scored 10. The Super Falcons began with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, edged Botswana 1-0, were held to a goalless draw by Algeria, and crushed Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals.

South Africa, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ghana, followed by a 1-1 draw with Tanzania. A convincing 4-0 victory over Mali sealed their quarter-final ticket, and they held their nerve to beat Senegal on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time.

The rivalry takes on added significance following the 2024 Olympic qualifiers, where Nigeria edged South Africa 1-0 on aggregate to book their spot at the Paris Games – a result that left Banyana heartbroken.

Madugu underlined his team’s mental fortitude and focus heading into the crunch tie.

“With every game, there will always be pressure – the pressure of wanting to win and meet expectations. But we’re managing it well. We’re not allowing distractions. The girls are fully focused. We know what’s at stake, and we’ll make our country proud,” he said.

As the two African powerhouses prepare to lock horns, the winner will not only secure a spot in Saturday’s final but also take a crucial step toward reclaiming or retaining the continent’s most prestigious women’s football title.