Banyana Banyana
By Sello Masilo
Banyana Banyana beat Senegal 4-1 on penalties in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinal clash that kept the South African senior women’s national team’s title defense on track.  The match ended at 0-0 during regulation time at the d’Honneur Stadium on Saturday night and it was goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who rose to the occasion to save two penalties during the shootout.  Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado and Bambanani Mbane scored their penalties after Dlamini saved two kicks. 
Tense Goalless Draw Leads to Dramatic Shootout
The quarter-final match on 19 July 2025 at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, was a hard-fought battle that stayed goalless through 90 minutes of regular time and 30 minutes of extra time. Both teams showed strong defence, but few clear chances came their way. Senegal, known as the Lionesses of Teranga, started well with better opportunities in the first half. Their striker Mama Diop from Marseille stood out, using her height and smart play to trouble South Africa’s backline. Senegal’s young goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, only 18 years old, looked nervous early on and almost gifted a goal to Banyana’s experienced forward Jermaine Seoposenwe.
South Africa, or Banyana Banyana, found it tough to break through. Their best effort in the first half was a free-kick from Karabo Dhlamini, but it went straight to the keeper. The second half turned physical as Senegal kept things tight, limiting space for Banyana’s attacks. It took until the 80th minute for South Africa to create a good chance, when Lebohang Ramalepe headed wide from close range. Later, Senegal’s keeper Ndiaye made a key save, tipping over a shot from Hildah Magaia, who scored big goals in the 2022 final.
Just before full time, Magaia went down in the box after a challenge from Senegal’s Wolimata Ndiaye, but after a long VAR check, no penalty was given. With no goals, the game went to penalties, where South Africa stayed calm.
Andile Dlamini’s Heroics in the Penalty Shootout
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini became the hero for Banyana Banyana, saving two penalties to seal the win. She dived the right way to stop shots from Senegal’s joint top scorer Nguenar Ndiaye and Meta Kande. Senegal scored their first penalty, but the misses proved costly. On South Africa’s side, Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane all found the net. Mbane, who has been one of Banyana’s top players in the tournament, scored the winning kick.
This shootout victory marks a first for South Africa in WAFCON history. They lost on penalties before, to Cameroon in 2006 and Nigeria in the 2018 final. Dlamini’s saves reminded fans of her strong form, earning her praise across social media. Fans called her a “wall” and celebrated her role in keeping the title defence alive.
Andile Dlamini of South Africa celebrates during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Senegal at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco. Her joyful moment captured the team’s relief and pride after a tough game.
Coach Desiree Ellis’ Side Eyes Repeat Glory
Coach Dr Desiree Ellis has led Banyana Banyana to strong showings since their 2022 WAFCON win in Morocco. That victory was South Africa’s first title after years of near misses, including four final losses since 2000. Ellis stressed the need to stay sharp, noting how one mistake can end a game. She praised her team’s unity and ability to score from different players, with seven goal scorers in the group stage.
In the group phase, Banyana topped Group C with a 4-0 win over Mali, a 1-1 draw with Tanzania, and other solid results. They showed balance in defence and attack, with players like Lebohang Ramalepe pushing forward and defenders like Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama staying solid. Without star Thembi Kgatlana, others like Linda Motlhalo, Seoposenwe, and Magaia stepped up.
Ellis warned that Senegal could surprise with quick counters, strong forwards like Mama Diop, Nguenar Ndiaye, and Sadigatou Diallo, or set pieces. Senegal’s coach Mame Moussa Cisse aimed to reach the semis for the first time, but Banyana’s experience won out.
Semi-Final Showdown with Nigeria Awaits
Banyana will meet Nigeria in the semi-finals this week as coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges continue their defense of the WAFCON title they won in 2022. The match is set for Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in Casablanca at 16:00 GMT. Nigeria, nine-time champions, thrashed Zambia 5-0 in their quarter-final and have not let in a goal yet. They seek a record 10th title.
The other semi-final pits hosts Morocco against Ghana, who beat Algeria on penalties. Morocco topped their group with a 1-0 win over Senegal and aim to build on their 2022 runner-up finish. Ghana advanced with a 4-1 win over Tanzania in their last group game.
Broader Impact on African Women’s Football
This WAFCON 2024 shows how women’s football in Africa is growing stronger. Teams like Senegal pushed hard, and upsets like Zambia’s early exit highlight the rising competition. No team won all group games, with 45 goals scored in the group stage. Banyana’s win keeps their dream alive, but they must lift their game against Nigeria.
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