Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis, is determined not to underestimate Senegal as both teams prepare to clash in the quarterfinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 this Saturday night at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
With South Africa finishing at the top of Group C with seven points, accumulating two wins and a draw, they go into the match as favourites. Meanwhile, Senegal’s journey has been less straightforward, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams after a mixed performance in Group A; they demonstrated resilience with a resounding 4-0 victory over DR Congo, but faced defeats against Morocco and Zambia.
“They came out of a very difficult group, and it shows the quality that they have,” said Dr Ellis, reflecting on Senegal’s progression to the knockout stage. “The games that they played – except for the DR Congo match – were very tight, with just one goal in it. They do have quality, and while we played them last year in June, they’ve improved significantly since then.”
Looking ahead, the coach acknowledged the importance of maintaining a clean sheet to secure victory: “It’s going to be a game of those small margins – the final and knockout games are never easy. We have to ensure that we are in charge.”
In their last encounter, which took place during two friendlies in June last year in Dakar, Banyana Banyana came away with a draw and a 2-0 win, thanks to standout performances from Amogelang Motau and Noxolo Cesane. However, Dr Ellis underscored that previous results would have no bearing on this upcoming match.
“Playing a team before doesn’t mean anything,” she asserted. “They are in the quarterfinals because they deserve to be there. We must be at our best to secure the outcome we desire.”
The team’s defensive prowess has been on display, with South Africa conceding just once in three tournament fixtures. The attack has also been diverse, with seven different players, including Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe, contributing goals.
Motlhalo, who was part of the squad that faced Senegal last year, echoed her coach’s sentiments regarding the need for vigilance. “Both teams have improved, and Senegal is a formidable opponent. They have players signed overseas, which highlights their growth. We have a plan to tackle this challenge,” she stated confidently.
For Senegal, this match represents an opportunity to make history. Coach Mousse Cisse acknowledges South Africa’s standing as defending champions and the favourites. “A win for us would be monumental, marking our first time overcoming this round,” he said. “We have faced challenges, but we’ve learned from our games against top teams.”
Looking forward, the victor of this quarterfinal matchup will face the winner between Nigeria and Zambia in the semifinals. As anticipation builds for the showdown on Saturday, both teams are gearing up for a match that promises intensity, talent, and the chance to etch their names into the annals of African football history.