As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations heats up, all eyes are on the quarterfinal clash between South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Senegal’s Lionesses of Teranga. With South Africa entering as the defending champions, their sights are firmly set on a seventh WAFCON final, while Senegal aims to script history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with both teams showcasing contrasting styles and ambitions, promising a thrilling encounter at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco. South Africa’s solid group stage performance, where they topped their group with two wins and a draw, contrasts sharply with Senegal’s gritty journey as one of the best third-placed teams. As the clock ticks towards this high-stakes showdown, the tension is palpable, and football fans across the continent are bracing for a match that promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.
The Road to the Quarterfinals
South Africa’s Dominant Group Stage
South Africa’s journey to the quarterfinals was marked by a commanding performance in Group C. The Banyana Banyana secured seven points from three matches, with two wins and a draw. Their attacking prowess was on full display, with seven different players finding the back of the net during the group stage. This collective goal-scoring effort underscores the team’s depth and versatility, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.
Senegal’s Resilient Path
In contrast, Senegal’s path to the knockout stages was fraught with challenges. Placed in a tough Group A, the Lionesses of Teranga fought tooth and nail to secure their spot as one of the best third-placed teams. Despite narrow losses to Zambia and hosts Morocco, Senegal showcased their potential with a resounding 4-0 victory over DR Congo. This resilience in the face of adversity speaks volumes about their determination and could prove crucial in their upcoming clash with the defending champions.
Tactical Analysis
South Africa’s Attacking Flair
South Africa’s strategy revolves around their fluid attacking style. With players like Linda Motlhalo pulling the strings in midfield and forwards Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia leading the line, the Banyana Banyana possess the firepower to trouble any defence. Their ability to score from various positions and through different players makes them unpredictable and difficult to contain.
Senegal’s Defensive Resolve
Senegal, on the other hand, have shown a penchant for resolute defending coupled with swift counter-attacks. Their defensive organisation has been key to their progress, with the team often soaking up pressure before striking on the break. The Lionesses of Teranga will likely adopt a similar approach against South Africa, looking to frustrate their opponents and capitalise on any mistakes.
Key Players to Watch
South Africa’s Game-Changers
For South Africa, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has been a wall between the posts, yet to concede a goal in her two appearances. In midfield, Linda Motlhalo’s influence cannot be overstated, with her ability to both create and score crucial to the team’s success. The versatile Lebohang Ramalepe has also been a revelation, excelling in an advanced wing role and contributing both goals and assists.
Senegal’s Rising Stars
Senegal’s hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of striker Nguenar Ndiaye, who has already netted four goals in the group stage. Captain Mama Diop provides leadership and goal-scoring threat, while young goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, despite some controversial moments, has shown flashes of brilliance. Forward Pascaline Fofana Bassene leads the line with determination and skill, embodying the team’s fighting spirit.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Desiree Ellis’s Cautious Optimism
South Africa’s coach Desiree Ellis has emphasised the need for her team to be at their “absolute best” against Senegal. She acknowledges the unpredictability of knockout games and stresses the importance of maintaining a clean sheet. Ellis’s unbeaten record in open play over three WAFCON editions is a testament to her tactical acumen and ability to prepare her team for high-pressure situations.
Mame Moussa Cissé’s Underdog Mentality
Senegal’s coach Mame Moussa Cissé has embraced the underdog role, viewing the match as a “great opportunity” to make history. He believes the pressure is on South Africa as favourites, while his team has “everything to gain”. Cissé’s focus on learning from past mistakes and improving with each game could be the key to unlocking Senegal’s potential on the big stage.
The Stage is Set
As the football world turns its attention to the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, for this crucial WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal, the anticipation is palpable. With South Africa’s title defence hanging in the balance and Senegal’s dreams of a historic semi-final appearance on the line, this match promises to be a captivating showcase of African women’s football at its finest. Kickoff is set for 9 PM SA time on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in what is sure to be a night of unforgettable action.
Champions vs. Challengers
The WAFCON 2024 quarterfinal clash between South Africa and Senegal presents a compelling narrative of champions facing ambitious challengers. This section explores the contrasting motivations and journeys of both teams as they prepare for this crucial encounter.
South Africa’s Quest to Defend
South Africa, the reigning WAFCON champions, enter the quarterfinals with a clear mission: to defend their title and secure a seventh final appearance. The Banyana Banyana’s journey so far has been impressive, showcasing their determination to retain their crown.
Their group stage performance was a testament to their quality, topping Group C with seven points from three matches. This solid foundation has set the stage for their title defence, with the team looking to build on their success from the previous tournament.
The pressure of being defending champions is palpable, but South Africa’s experienced squad seems well-equipped to handle it. Their blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents provides a balanced approach to the challenges ahead.
Senegal’s Historic Ambitions
Senegal, known as the Lionesses of Teranga, arrive at this quarterfinal with dreams of making history. Their primary goal is to reach the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time ever, a feat that would mark a significant milestone in Senegalese women’s football.
The team’s journey to this stage has been fraught with challenges, having qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from a tough Group A. This underdog status, however, seems to have fuelled their determination rather than dampened their spirits.
Senegal’s ambition to write a new chapter in their footballing history adds an extra layer of motivation to their campaign. The prospect of upsetting the defending champions and advancing to uncharted territory in the tournament is a powerful driving force for the Lionesses.
Head-to-Head Records and Stats
The historical context and statistical analysis provide interesting insights into this quarterfinal matchup:
- This is only the second WAFCON meeting between the two sides, with South Africa winning the previous encounter 1-0 in 2012.
- In June 2024, the teams played two friendlies in Dakar, resulting in a 1-1 draw and a 2-0 victory for South Africa.
- Desiree Ellis boasts an impressive WAFCON record, undefeated in open play over three editions with 11 wins and 3 draws.
These statistics underline the competitive nature of this fixture and suggest that we could be in for a closely contested quarterfinal.
doragon sports 