South Africa’s Banyana Banyana has declared they are "mentally and physically ready" to face Nigeria's Super Falcons in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal on Tuesday, July 22, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Midfielder Gabriela Salgado acknowledged that playing against the Super Falcons, who are nine-time WAFCON champions, will be a tough challenge for the defending champions.
The rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa in women's football is intense, with this semifinal being their 12th meeting in WAFCON history and eighth consecutive clash since 2006. Historically, Nigeria holds a significant advantage, having won 15 of their 25 previous encounters against Banyana Banyana, with 6 draws and 4 losses. In WAFCON-specific matches, Nigeria has secured 8 wins to South Africa's 3. The Super Falcons are on a mission to win their record-extending tenth title, while Banyana Banyana aims for a title defense.
The Super Falcons advanced to the semifinal after a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in the quarterfinals, maintaining a perfect record of reaching every WAFCON semifinal since 1998 . South Africa, the defending champions, secured their spot by defeating Senegal 4-1 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
The winner of this highly anticipated match will face either hosts Morocco or Ghana in the final on Saturday, July 26, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
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