The stage is set for one of African women’s football’s fiercest rivalries as Nigeria’s Super Falcons face off against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday, July 22.
The Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM (WAT) at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco. This encounter is more than just a football match — it’s a battle between two African giants with a rich and competitive history. With a place in the final and a shot at continental glory on the line, emotions will run high as both teams aim to stamp their dominance on African women’s football.
The Super Falcons are on a mission to capture a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, having previously won the tournament nine times. Nigeria comes into the semi-final in formidable form, having crushed Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals and impressively kept clean sheets in all four matches so far.
Coach Randy Waldrum’s side has turned up the tempo after a slow group-stage finish and now appears to be peaking at the right moment.
Forward Esther Okoronkwo has emerged as a creative spark, leading the assist charts with four, while also scoring against Zambia. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has claimed two Woman of the Match awards, and Chinwe Ihezuo leads the team in goals with three, including a dramatic late winner against Botswana.
In defence, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, and Ashley Plumptre have formed a resilient wall, making Nigeria the only semi-finalist yet to concede a goal.
On the other side of the pitch, defending champions South Africa are determined to validate their status as a rising power in African football. After winning their maiden title in 2022, the Banyana Banyana are targeting a third straight WAFCON final.
Though they struggled to break down Senegal in the quarter-finals, needing penalties to advance after a goalless draw, Desiree Ellis’s side remains dangerous.
Hildah Magaia, whose brace secured South Africa’s 2022 title, will be a key threat, while Jermaine Seoposenwe and Lebogang Ramalepe bring pace and experience to the attack. Despite missing star forward Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa still possesses the depth to trouble any side.
Nigeria and South Africa have faced off 10 times in WAFCON history, with the Super Falcons winning eight, while South Africa have claimed two victories — including the group-stage win in 2018 and a 2-1 triumph in 2022.
Overall, both nations have met 23 times, with Nigeria winning 15, South Africa four, and four matches ending in draws. Tuesday’s match will mark yet another chapter in a rivalry that has come to define African women’s football.
A place in Saturday’s final is up for grabs, along with the chance to make history. For Nigeria, it’s about reinforcing their legacy with a historic 10th title — a mission the team has dubbed “Mission X.”
For South Africa, it’s about defending their crown and showing the continent that their 2022 win was no fluke. As both teams prepare to collide in Casablanca, fans can expect a WAFCON classic — high stakes, high intensity, and potentially, a match for the ages.
