AFCON 2025
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are two games away from accomplishing their “Mission X” target – a record tenth title.
After a decent start marred with criticism from the media and fans back home in Nigeria, Justin Madugu’s side came alive in the quarter-finals with a convincing win over the Copper Queens of Zambia.
The nine-time champions thrashed the Zambians 5-0 to book their spot in the last four of the competition, where they will take on defending champions, South Africa.
The Banyana Banyana come into the tie on the back of a 2-1 victory over the Super Falcons at the last edition of the tournament.
Desiree Ellis’ side qualified for the semis on penalties (4-1) after the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal held them to a stalemate after regular time.
The Banyana Banyana are a formidable threat to Super Falcons’ dream of winning the competition for the tenth time as they parade a couple of quality players who are capable of wreaking havoc.
Even though star striker Thembi Kgatlana is not available for this tournament, the Banyana Banyana have other “weapons” in their arsenal that can cause the Super Falcons harm.
3 African trio that can stop Super Falcons’ “Mission X” chase
1. Jermaine Seoposenwe
She is unarguably the most dangerous player in South Africa’s squad. Seoposenwe plays as an attacking midfielder but sometimes plays as a forward given her attributes. The 27-year-old is sleek on the ball, fast, and can put passes into the needle’s eye. Seoposenwe Jermaine has a goal and an assist in the tournament. Coach Desiree Ellis will rely on her brilliance to help the Banyana Banyana reach consecutive WAFCON finals.
2. Ramalepe Lebogang
The 33-year-old full-back is one of the most important assets in the Banyana Banyana set-up. She helps the team in transitions with her pace down the flanks as well as her deliveries in the box for her teammates to feed on. The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies right-back has a goal and two assists in the competition so far.
3. Dlamini Andile
Andile took and converted the first penalty spot in South Africa’s win over Senegal in the quarter-finals. The 32-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper might look diminutive, but her reflexes are top-notch. She has featured in three matches so far in the competition and has three clean sheets to her name. Andile Dlamini will be in between the sticks when the Banyana Banyana take on the Super Falcons on Tuesday, 22nd July, for a place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
