South Africa’s senior women’s football team held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to beat Senegal 4-1 and book a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, keeping their title defence on course at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Saturday, 19 July 2025.
After a gruelling 120 minutes of football ended goalless in Oujda on Saturday night, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini proved the hero in the shootout, pulling off two crucial saves to guide South Africa into the last four.
Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado and Bambanani Mbane all converted their spot kicks with composure, as Banyana Banyana secured their first-ever penalty shootout win at WAFCON, a milestone not lost on head coach Dr Desiree Ellis.
“This is our first penalty shootout win at WAFCON,” said Ellis. “We lost in 2006, and we lost again in 2018 in the final, so this win is historic for us.”
“We’ve been practising penalties and we always knew who our kickers would be. That’s why we made the changes we did, and of course, we always knew Andile could save one or two. She’s done it before.”
Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis
Despite being defending champions, Banyana were made to dig deep by a resilient Senegalese side, who started the match brightly. Their powerful striker, Mama Diop, posed early threats to South Africa’s backline, while 18-year-old Senegalese goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye had a nervy moment that almost gifted Banyana an early goal.
South Africa’s best chance in the first half came from a Karabo Dhlamini free-kick, which was easily gathered by Ndiaye. As the game wore on, Senegal tightened their defensive shape and disrupted Banyana’s attacking rhythm.
It wasn’t until the 80th minute that Lebohang Ramalepe had a real sight at goal, heading just wide from close range. Hildah Magaia, who had been the hero of the 2022 final, forced a late save from Ndiaye as the match edged towards extra time.
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Drama struck just before the end of regular time when Magaia went down under a challenge in the box, but after a lengthy VAR review, the referee waved play on.
Coach Ellis praised her team’s character in a match where both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances.
“I said the game was going to be tough, and it was. But the courage, the resilience, and the never-say-die attitude that this team continues to show, I cannot speak highly enough about that,” Ellis reflected.
“We had a couple of great chances in the final third. With better decision-making, we could’ve scored. But we also almost got punished at the end. Our hearts were in our mouths. That’s tournament football, it’s about small margins.”
Semi-Final Showdown with Nigeria
Next up, South Africa face arch-rivals Nigeria in a much-anticipated semi-final clash on Tuesday, 22 July, in Casablanca. The Super Falcons, nine-time champions, have looked dominant, cruising past Zambia 5-0 in their quarter-final and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
The other semi-final will see hosts Morocco take on Ghana, who advanced after a dramatic win over Algeria on penalties.
With a place in the final, and a shot at back-to-back continental titles, on the line, Ellis and her team will once again need to draw on the grit, experience, and unity that have brought them this far.
“We knew the game plan Senegal would bring. I thought we handled the long ball well. Now we turn our attention to Nigeria. It’s going to take everything we’ve got,” Ellis concluded.
South Africa’s Road to the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Semi Finals, at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco
Monday, 7 July: Banyana Banyana 2-0 Ghana
Friday, 11 July: Banyana Banyana 1-1 Tanzania
Monday, 14 July: Banyana Banyana 4-0 Mali
Saturday, 19 July: Banyana Banyana 0 (4) – 0 (1) Senegal
Banyana Banyana Squad for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco
Goalkeepers
Kaylin Swart
Andile Dlamini
Dineo Magagula
Casey Gordon
Defenders
Lebohang Ramalepe
Fikile Magama
Gabriela Salgado
Tiisetso Makhubela
Bambanani Mbane
Karabo Dhlamini
Lonathemba Mhlongo
Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders
Sibulele Holweni
Linda Motlhalo
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Refiloe Jane
Amogelang Motau
Regina Mogolola
Noxolo Cesane
Adrielle Mibe
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Forwards
Hildah Magaia
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Nthabiseng Majiya
Bonolo Mokoma
Ronnel Donnely
Main Photo Caption: South Africa’s senior women’s football team held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to beat Senegal 4-1 and book a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, keeping their title defence on course at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Saturday, 19 July 2025. All Photos: CAF
Photo 2 Caption: Hildah Magaia forced a late save from Senegalese goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye as the match edged towards extra time.
Photo 3 Caption: Skipper Refiloe Jane’s inspiring leadership by example allowed cool heads to prevail as South Africa looked for the breakthrough.
