Senegal will face titleholders South Africa in a daunting quarter-final clash at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following the conclusion of Group C fixtures on Monday evening.
South Africa, the defending champions, delivered a dominant performance against Mali, securing a 4-0 victory to top the group with seven points.
That emphatic win booked their place in the last eight, where they will take on the Senegalese Lionesses on Saturday, July 19, at Stade d’Honneur in Oujda (19:00 GMT).
A tough path ahead for the Lionesses
Senegal, who progressed from Group B, now face their biggest challenge yet as they prepare to battle one of the continent’s strongest sides.
The Banyana Banyana’s attacking prowess and experience make them one of the favourites to lift the trophy again, posing a significant threat to Senegal’s hopes of advancing further in the competition.
The Lionesses know the odds are against them but will look to draw inspiration from their gritty performances in the group stage.
Victory over South Africa would not only represent a major upset but also place them one step away from the final.
Group C wrap-up: South Africa and Ghana go through
While South Africa stole the headlines with their comprehensive victory over Mali, Ghana also secured progression with a crucial 4-1 triumph against Tanzania.
Both results reshuffled the Group C standings, placing South Africa firmly in first, followed by Ghana in second and Mali in third.
Despite their loss, Mali had already booked a place in the quarter-finals and will now face host nation Morocco.
Ghana, meanwhile, are set to meet Algeria, who finished second in Group B.
Quarter-final fixtures confirmed
The last-eight matchups now promise an exciting knockout phase.
Nigeria will face Zambia in the first quarter-final on Friday, July 18 at 16:00 GMT, followed by Morocco vs Mali at 19:00 GMT the same day.
On Saturday, July 19, Algeria take on Ghana at 16:00 GMT, before South Africa and Senegal round off the stage in the final fixture of the round.
With the winner of the South Africa-Senegal clash set to face either Nigeria or Zambia in the semi-finals, the Lionesses’ route to a maiden final is lined with some of Africa’s most formidable teams.
