South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a tense quarter-final clash against Senegal on Saturday. Following a goalless draw after regulation and extra time, the defending champions held their nerve to win 4-1 on penalties and advance.
Their reward? A blockbuster semi-final encounter against familiar foes and continental giants, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who earlier swept aside Zambia’s Copper Queens in a resounding 5-0 quarter-final victory.
The much-anticipated semi-final clash is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. Nigeria time (WAT).
Rivalry Renewed: Super Falcons vs Banyana Banyana
Tuesday’s showdown promises to be an electrifying affair as it reignites one of the fiercest rivalries in African women’s football. The last time both teams met at WAFCON was in 2022, also hosted in Morocco. On that occasion, South Africa stunned Nigeria with a 2-1 victory, handing the Super Falcons a bitter group stage defeat.
That result was particularly symbolic, as it came just three years after Nigeria edged South Africa on penalties in the 2018 WAFCON final to clinch their record-extending ninth continental title.
Now, with a place in the 2025 final at stake, both sides have everything to play for—and plenty to prove.
Falcons in Top Form
Nigeria head into the semi-final in imperious form. The Randy Waldrum-led side has scored eight goals in the tournament without conceding once—a remarkable feat highlighting both their attacking prowess and defensive discipline.
Their 5-0 thrashing of Zambia in the quarter-final was a statement performance, reaffirming their status as favourites for the title. Standout players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie have been key to Nigeria’s flawless run.
South Africa’s Tough Road
South Africa’s path to the semi-finals has been less fluid but equally commendable. After grinding out results in the group stage, they faced a stern test in Senegal—a rising force in African women’s football. Despite the lack of goals in regulation time, Banyana Banyana showed composure and experience in the shootout to secure their place in the final four.
Led by coach Desiree Ellis, South Africa will look to draw inspiration from their 2022 victory over Nigeria, as they attempt to defend their title and reach a second consecutive final.
WAFCON Semi-Final Fixtures
In the other semi-final, hosts Morocco will take on Ghana’s Black Queens, also on Tuesday, July 22, at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue and time. Both games promise to be thrilling as the race for the continental crown narrows to four strong contenders.
Nigeria vs South Africa: Match Details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs South Africa
- Tournament: WAFCON 2025 – Semi-final
- Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM (Nigeria Time / WAT)
- Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco
The stage is set for another classic in African women’s football history. Will Nigeria continue their unbeaten streak and march into another final, or can South Africa repeat their 2022 heroics and spoil the party once again? All eyes will be on Casablanca this Tuesday.