Defending champions South Africa are through to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Senegal 4–1 on penalties in a nail-biting quarterfinal clash on Saturday evening.
The match, held at the Stade Mohamed V, ended 0–0 after 120 minutes of tense, tactical football, with both sides struggling to convert chances in front of goal. South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, however, kept their composure in the penalty shootout, thanks in large part to the heroics of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Dlamini emerged as the standout performer, making two crucial saves during the shootout—denying Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé—to hand South Africa a commanding lead. Her commanding presence also proved pivotal during the match, stopping several Senegalese attempts, including late threats from Mama Diop and Ndiaye.
South Africa created several opportunities during regular time, with Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Karabo Dhlamini all testing the Senegalese defence. But Senegal’s shot-stopper, Adji Ndiaye, was equal to the task, delivering a stellar performance that kept her side in the contest.
A potential South African penalty was ruled out following a VAR review, and with both teams unable to break the deadlock, the game went to penalties.
In the ensuing shootout, South Africa displayed clinical precision. Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane all converted their spot-kicks confidently. Mbane’s thunderous top-corner strike sealed the 4–1 victory.
The result sets up a highly anticipated semi-final showdown between South Africa and arch-rivals Nigeria, renewing one of the fiercest rivalries in African women’s football.
With this victory, Banyana Banyana continue their quest to defend their WAFCON crown and book a place in the final.