Final before the final: Banyana Banyana coach reveals when she'll start thinking about Super Falcons

Defending champions South Africa have booked a mouth-watering semifinal showdown with Nigeria at the ongoing 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Senegal in a tense penalty shootout on Saturday.

Banyana Banyana, who had been ruthless in the group stage with seven goals scored, were unable to find a way through a stubborn Senegalese defence over 120 minutes of regulation and extra time.

Despite dominating large spells of the match, coach Desiree Ellis' side were forced to rely on spot-kicks to secure their place in the last four.

South Africa and Nigeria will meet in the semifinal on Tuesday, July 22 at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons, record champions with nine titles, showed they still have it after a statement 5-0 hammering of Zambia, one of the continent's emerging forces in women's football.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has urged her players to savour their latest achievement before turning their attention to the upcoming semifinal clash against Nigeria.

Ellis made it clear that celebrations were in order before preparations begin on Sunday for the match with the Super Falcons.

"We are not thinking about Nigeria right now, we will think about the next match tomorrow. Let’s celebrate what we have done," Ellis told SAFA before her team's trip to Casablanca.

The Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has not conceded a goal after four games, posting clean sheets against Tunisia, Botswana, Algeria and Zambia.

South Africa’s highly anticipated semifinal clash with the Super Falcons has been dubbed a 'final before the final' by pundits and even the Confederation of African Football.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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