Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has expressed concerns over her team’s limited preparation time ahead of their highly anticipated semi-final clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
South Africa edged past Senegal 4-1 on penalties in a dramatic quarter-final encounter on Saturday night, after a goalless draw that dragged into extra time.
The defending champions now face a quick turnaround as they prepare to meet Nigeria, who defeated Zambia’s Copper Queens in their quarter-final fixture on Friday giving the Super Falcons an extra day of rest and preparation.
Speaking to Sowetan Live, Ellis acknowledged the challenge of the tight schedule, especially following a grueling 120-minute match and with travel demands still to come.
“We are going to prepare because 120 minutes with a day less to prepare and a day to travel takes a lot,” Ellis said.
The clash between South Africa and Nigeria is expected to be one of the tournament’s most intense matchups, as both teams eye a spot in the final and aim to add to their storied continental legacies.