Ellis wary of fatigue against Nigeria

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is hoping fatigue doesn't come into play as she prepares her team for the titanic clash against Nigeria in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) semifinals at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on 22 July.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

South Africa and Senegal could not be separated after 120 minutes in their quarter-final tie at the Honneur Stadium on Saturday and the defending champions marched on following a 4-1 win in the shootout.

It was the first time that Ellis' side failed to get on the scoresheet, although they kept another clean sheet - their third in four matches - with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini yet to concede a single goal, having not played in the 1-1 draw with Tanzania.

The Wafcon 2022 winners are now unbeaten in their last 10 games at the continental showpiece and Ellis insists they know what it takes to beat the Super Falcons after knocking them out at the same stage three years ago.

However, she has raised concerns about tired legs as her players only have two days to recover, while they have to travel 609km to get from Oujda to Casablanca.

Nigeria are also still undefeated in Morocco and they sent out a statement of intent after demolishing Zambia 5-0 in the last eight on Friday.

Justin Madugu's side took their tally for the tournament to nine goals as a result, making them the second-highest scorers behind the Atlas Lionesses (10), while their defence has been on point after not being breached even once.

However, the record 11-time African champions have only managed to prevent Banyana Banyana from scoring twice in their last five Wafcon meetings, shipping four goals in the process.

What was said:

Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu

"This puts extra pressure on everybody. It comes with extra pressure because it does not give room for mistakes. [To win at this stage of the competition] you must get ready and be fully prepared in all aspects. So, we are equally prepared and ready for it."

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis

"As a technical team, we are already standing on one side talking about how we are going to plan and how we are going to prepare because 120 minutes with a day less to prepare and a day to travel takes a lot.

"There's a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria."

Players to watch:

Nigeria - It might come down to the tale of the two goalkeepers as Chiamaka Nnadozie has yet to be seriously tested after being required to make just two saves in four appearances, both against Botswana. The 2023 and 2024 CAF Women's Goalkeeper of the Year is in the running to be named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament after keeping four consecutive clean sheets.

South Africa - Dlamini has been by far the busier of the two keepers as she's made 13 saves in three outings, two more than at Wafcon 2022 when she played twice as many games. She also played a starring role against the Lionesses of Teranga after saving Nguenar Ndiaye and Meta Kande's spot-kicks in the shootout.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Matches - 10

Nigeria wins - 3

South Africa wins - 4

Draws – 3