Super Falcons vs Banyana Banyana: WAFCON Final Before the Final
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are ready to face defending champions South Africa in what many are calling the final before the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The big clash will take place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, and it promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Nigeria have a rich history at WAFCON. They have never missed a semifinal in the tournament’s 27-year history. In their quarterfinal game, they crushed Zambia 5-0, showing their strength in attack and defense. The Falcons have scored nine goals so far and have not conceded any. Striker Chinwendu Ihezuo is chasing the tournament’s Golden Boot, just one goal behind Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye.
South Africa had a harder route to the last four. They needed a tense penalty shootout to defeat Senegal after a goalless 120 minutes. But their coach, Desiree Ellis, is confident her team knows how to beat Nigeria. After all, South Africa defeated the Falcons 2-1 in the group stage of the 2022 WAFCON and went on to win their first African title.
Historically, Nigeria have dominated this rivalry. The two teams have met 25 times, with Nigeria winning 15 matches, South Africa winning four, and six games ending in draws. But in recent years, the Banyana Banyana have become a tougher opponent. They also beat Nigeria in the 2018 group stage and shocked them in the 2021 Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament in Lagos.
For Nigeria, this match is a chance to remind Africa that they are still the queens of women’s football. For South Africa, it’s an opportunity to prove their 2022 triumph was no accident and that they can consistently challenge the Falcons.
Fans should expect a fast, physical, and emotional game. Nigeria’s firepower and experience will meet South Africa’s determination and tactical discipline. By the end of this semifinal, one team will take a huge step toward lifting the WAFCON trophy in Morocco.
Will it be the record champions Nigeria or the defending queens South Africa? The answer will come on Tuesday night in Casablanca.
