South Africa edge Senegal in penalty shootout, set up semifinal clash with Nigeria in WAFCON title defence

Defending champions South Africa moved a step closer to retaining their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a tense quarter-final victory over Senegal, sealed by a 4–1 penalty shootout win on Saturday evening.

The match, held after 120 minutes of goalless football, saw Banyana Banyana hold their nerve in the shootout, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who made two crucial saves to guide her side into the semi-finals.

It was a tightly contested encounter from the outset, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to convert.

South Africa came close through efforts from Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Karabo Dhlamini, but were denied by Senegal’s disciplined defence and the sharp reflexes of goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.

Senegal’s attacking duo, Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye, also threatened, but Dlamini stood firm in goal, delivering a commanding display that included several key interventions late in the match.

A potential South African penalty was ruled out following a VAR review, and with chances limited, the match headed to a decisive shootout.

Dlamini turned hero in the shootout, saving spot-kicks from Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé to shift the momentum decisively in South Africa’s favour.

Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane all converted their penalties with clinical precision.

Mbane’s emphatic finish into the top corner sealed a 4–1 shootout victory, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown with arch-rivals Nigeria.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.