Defending champions South Africa edged Senegal in a tense quarter-final to reach the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, winning 4–1 in a penalty shootout after a goalless 120 minutes on Saturday evening.
Bambanani Mbane sealed the victory with a brilliant top-corner finish, setting up a high-stakes semi-final showdown against long-time rivals Nigeria.
The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to break the deadlock.
South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Karabo Dhlamini all tested Senegal’s defence, only to be denied by the superb goalkeeping of Adji Ndiaye.
Senegal responded through Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye, but South Africa’s keeper Andile Dlamini delivered a commanding performance, pulling off several key saves—including two during the penalty shootout.
VAR dismissed a potential South African penalty, and with scoring opportunities scarce, the match headed to a dramatic shootout.
Dlamini was the standout performer, saving spot kicks from Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé to put South Africa in control. Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and finally Mbane calmly converted their penalties, sending Banyana Banyana into the semi-finals with confidence and composure.
Mbane’s Winning Penalty Sends South Africa Into WAFCON Semi-Final Clash With Nigeria
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