Senegal will be a challenging opponent for Banyana

South Africa face a challenging opponent in Senegal when they take to the field on Saturday for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal in Oudja.

The defending champions are fresh from a convincing 4-0 win over another West African opponent, Mali, in their last group game but should find Senegal a much tougher prospect, even if the Lionesses of Teranga qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Sunday’s clash in the town on the Mediterranean coast kicks off at 9pm and is live on SuperSport, preceded by the game between Algeria and Ghana in Berkane at 6pm.

Both Algeria and Ghana finished runners-up in their respective groups, but while Algeria were unbeaten in Group A to finish behind Nigeria, they scored a single goal.

Ghana lost their opening game at the tournament to South Africa in Group C but bounced back after that, and their 4-1 victory over Tanzania in their last match saw them snatch second place in the group away from Mali.

“The Algeria team is very organised, maybe potentially the best-organised team in this tournament,” Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren said at the press match press conference on Saturday.

“It shows that the coach is doing a good job there, and it’s going to be a difficult game for us for sure. We need to do our things; we need to keep building.”

Top 8 secured. ✅

A brilliant group stage performance sends Banyana Banyana to the quarterfinals! 🇿🇦#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/unhWeDnRdG

— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 14, 2025

Ghana have been WAFCON runners-up three times previously but are not as formidable a proposition as they previously were.

South Africa, however, showed glimpses of the form that saw them crowned African champions in Morocco three years ago.

“I do not believe any game at this WAFCON has been straightforward,” said South Africa coach Desiree Ellis.

“It underscores the continual improvement of teams across the continent. Every Fifa International window sees nations competing.

“While we acknowledge the fierce competitiveness of this tournament, where nearly all teams are delivering their utmost performances, Senegal must not be underestimated,” she added.

Senegal are making their third appearance at the WAFCON, and in the last edition, also held in Morocco, they also got to the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Zambia in a penalty shootout.