'Haven't conceded' – Banyana Banyana coach expects tight contest against well-known Super Falcons

The standout fixture of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations will see nine-time champions Nigeria take on reigning titleholders South Africa on Tuesday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons put down a marker with a statement 5-0 rout of Zambia in the quarterfinal, while Banyana Banyana were forced to rely on spot-kicks to secure their place in the last four.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has acknowledged the quality and threat posed by Nigeria ahead of the high-stakes encounter. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ellis was full of praise for the Super Falcons’ well-balanced team, noting their impressive record so far.

"Any team you play against has threats, there's no two ways about it. And Nigeria not having conceded obviously shows how good their defence is and they've scored goals, shows how good their attack is," Ellis told reporters.

Logically, Nigeria enter the highly anticipated semifinal as favourites, with South Africa grappling with off-field distractions and a challenging travel schedule. 

Banyana Banyana were forced to make the trip to Casablanca after their grueling quarter-final encounter against the Lionesses, a match that lasted over two hours, leaving little time for recovery.

The Banyana Banyana boss emphasised the importance of being clinical, especially after South Africa could not score in regulation and extra time in their hard-fought shootout win versus Senegal.

 "We just have to be on top of our game and try to nullify those threats and take opportunities when they come because against Senegal we had few and didn't take them," she explained.

"So it's a game of ninety minutes, maybe extra time, maybe penalties, and we just have to be on top of our game because we are coming up against an opponent that's very strong, an opponent that hasn't conceded, that has scored goals. So we have to make sure we have a plan A, plan B and plan C."

Ellis, who has faced Nigeria both as a player and a coach, reflected on the Super Falcons pedigree on the continent.

"The quality they have in the team has always stood out, the experience they have in the team has always stood out, the confidence they have in the team has always stood out," she said.

However, she believes her side has made strides over the years to match their West African rivals, and expects a closely contested match between two well-acquainted opponents.

"Over the last couple of years, we've sort of matched that. They have now a really good squad that has transitioned and they've shown it at this tournament.

"We know a lot of them and I think they know as much as we know of them. So, it's going to be a very interesting match."
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: safa.net

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