Defending champions South Africa held their nerve to claim a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Senegal after a goalless quarter-final on Saturday, keeping their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence alive.
Banyana Banyana were made to work hard by a determined Senegalese side, who reached the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams and pushed the title holders across 120 tense minutes in Rabat.
South Africa, who finished top of Group C earning just seven points, started on the front foot, with Karabo Dhlamini spurning a fifth-minute chance. Senegal responded swiftly through Wolimata Ndiaye, but both sides lacked cutting edge in a tight, physical encounter.
Chances remained scarce throughout. Refiloe Jane and Lebohang Ramalepe both went close for South Africa in the second half, while Senegal nearly grabbed a winner in stoppage time but the Banyana defence held firm.
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Extra time brought late drama. Jermaine Seoposenwe thought she had assisted the opener when Ramalepe found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
With the deadlock unbroken, the match went to penalties and South Africa were flawless. All four spot-kicks were calmly dispatched, while goalkeeper Andile Dlamini saved two Senegal efforts to seal the win.
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The result sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against old foes Nigeria on Tuesday, a fixture that renews one of the most iconic rivalries in African women’s football.
The last time the two met at WAFCON, South Africa triumphed 2-1 in the 2022 group stage on their way to lifting the trophy. Nigeria, however, will be out for revenge.
