Defending champions Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Banyana Banyana had to dig deep to reach the last four, beating Senegal on penalties in their Quarter-finals clash played at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Saturday night.

Following 120 minutes of tense, goalless football, Banyana Banyana triumphed 4–1 in the shootout to secure a semi-final date with Nigeria thanks to heroic saves by Andile “Sticks” Dlamini.

Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane scored their penalties for Banyana Banyana.

It was certainly not a walk in the park for Dr. Desiree Ellis’ charges.

The match was a tightly contested affair from the first whistle, with both sides creating chances but lacking the finishing touch.

South Africa saw efforts from Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Dhlamini denied by Senegal’s resolute defending and the excellent goalkeeping of Adji Ndiaye.

Senegal threatened through Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye, but the in-form Dlamini stood tall in goal for South Africa with a commanding performance, including crucial saves late in the match.

In the penalty drama that followed, it was Dlamini who emerged as the hero, making two decisive saves—first denying Nguenar Ndiaye and then Méta Kandé—to swing the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favor.

Banyana Banyana, who are ranked second in Africa, will take on top-ranked Nigeria in Casablanca on Tuesday, 22 July.