“We Owe It to Ourselves”: Banyana Banyana Set for Fierce WAFCON Clash with Senegal

South Africa’s women’s team stand one game away from the WAFCON semifinals — but a rising Senegalese squad stands in their way.

By all accounts, Banyana Banyana have every reason to walk into Saturday night’s WAFCON quarterfinal with confidence. They’re the reigning champions, unbeaten in regulation time at the tournament since 2016, and stacked with experienced players who’ve seen it all.

But this is knockout football — and Senegal’s Lionesses aren’t just here to make up the numbers.

A Rematch with Higher Stakes

The two teams met as recently as June 2024 in a double-header of friendlies, with South Africa securing a 3-1 aggregate win. That result will offer some psychological edge, but everyone in the Banyana camp knows this isn’t the same context.

Now it’s tournament football. Lose, and you go home.

Speaking ahead of the clash, coach Desiree Ellis was quick to stress just how tight things have become on the African stage.

“No game has been easy at this WAFCON,” Ellis said. “Senegal showed they can fight it out with the best. We have to be at our absolute best to get a result.”

Senegal’s Lionesses Are Here to Roar

Senegal didn’t exactly cruise through the group stages — finishing third behind Zambia and Morocco — but they showed plenty of bite. They narrowly lost 3-2 to Zambia, frustrated hosts Morocco in a tight 1-0 loss, and dismantled the DRC 4-0 to secure their spot in the last eight.

That 4-0 performance turned heads, and South African fans have taken to social media with cautious optimism.

“Respect Senegal, but Banyana knows how to win. Let’s finish the job!” wrote one fan on X.

Another replied, “This won’t be a walk in the park. Hope our girls keep their heads.”

Keeping it Grounded Literally

Tactically, Banyana Banyana know what works for them — and they’re not about to reinvent the wheel. Defender Karabo Dhlamini, part of a backline that’s only conceded once in the tournament, believes sticking to their trademark ball-on-the-ground style is the way to go.

“Senegal has tall players, yes, but we’ve dealt with physical sides before. We don’t need to change. Same ball, 11 vs 11.”

With experienced defenders like Bambanani Mbane and rising stars like Fikile Magama holding the line, the South African defence has looked solid — and will need to be once again.

Who Will Bring the Magic?

On the attack, all eyes will be on Jermaine Seoposenwe to spearhead the charge, supported by the creativity of Hildah Magaia and Linda Motlhalo. Young striker Ronnel Donnelly, who netted her first senior goal in the 4-0 win over Mali, could be a wild card if called upon.

Midfielder Gabriela Salgado spoke of the hunger within the squad: “We owe it to ourselves to keep going. We’ve worked so hard to get here. Now it’s about sticking to the plan and giving it everything.”

A Step Away From Glory

If Banyana Banyana beat Senegal, they’ll be just one game away from their seventh WAFCON final. It would also mark another crucial step in defending their 2022 title and booking a spot in the 2026 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with authority.

But make no mistake: the Lionesses of Teranga won’t be tamed easily.

Match Info

Fixture: Banyana Banyana vs Senegal
Date: Saturday, 19 July 2025
Time: 9pm SAST
Stage: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinal
Where to watch: Sabc, Sabcpsport.com, DSTV Channel 202

What’s your prediction for the quarterfinal? Let us know on social media @JoburgETC and show your support for Banyana Banyana! 

Source:Daily Maverick 

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