Banyana Banyana versus Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals could be regarded as a final before the final.
The two sides will clash at the 30,000-seater Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday evening (18H00).
Nigeria is ranked number one in Africa, followed by the WAFCON defending champions Banyana Banyana in second spot. It is certainly a must-watch match.
Former Nigeria and South Africa captains Desire Oparanozie and Amanda Dlamini, both now CAF co-commentators, have delivered a stirring buildup in conversation with Africa’s football governing body, CAF.
With Nigeria chasing a historic 10th title and South Africa aiming to defend their crown, Tuesday’s encounter is shaping up as more than just a semifinal. It is a clash of legacies, beliefs, and tactical mastery.
For Oparanozie, who once led the Super Falcons in this same heated fixture, this is not just another WAFCON match.
“It means everything. It’s an all-to-play-for encounter; it’s more than just a game. A clash of titans with national pride on the line. A rekindled rivalry,” Oparanozie told CAFOnline.com.
Dlamini echoed similar sentiments, drawing on the mental intensity the fixture demands and the weight of legacy each side carries.
“It’s going to be a mind game. Both teams need to give it a go because they are equally incredible. Any team that wants to go pound for pound with the Nigerian team must have the endurance and ability to go all the way and dig deep for 90 minutes,” Dlamini told CAFOnline.com.
“South Africa obviously knows what to expect in terms of physicality. (Nigeria) is an imposing team in terms of composure. It takes a lot mentally.
“For South Africa, they have to believe. Coming into this competition, they have to remind themselves that they are the defending champions and carry that kind of attitude. In as much as they have that attitude, they have to know that Nigeria has the same mentality of not going another year without the WAFCON title.”
Dlamini sees Banyana Banyana’s creativity through the middle, led by captain Refiloe Jane, as the possible key to unlocking the Super Falcons’ wall.
“For South Africa, I think the best way to unlock such a solid defence line of Nigeria, I think the best of the tournament so far, is just for them to show great composure in the 18-yard box.
“Be creative with lots of opportunities, but their decision-making let them down. Having that composure and clinical finish in front of goal will really be the difference between Nigeria and South Africa.”
Banyana Banyana needed penalties to beat Senegal in the last quarter-finals, while Nigeria eased to a 5-0 win against Zambia.
