South Africa are through to the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after edging Senegal 4-1 in a penalty shootout in Oujda, Morocco.
The two sides couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes of intense but goalless football, with Banyana Banyana eventually holding their nerve in the shootout.
Saturday’s quarter-final was tight and tense. Senegal pushed the defending champions hard, defending deep and forcing South Africa into wide areas with few clear openings.
Though South Africa saw more of the ball, they struggled to make it count. The first half offered little excitement, and the second wasn’t much different—both teams lacked the creativity needed to break the deadlock.
South Africa had 11 shots, with only four on target. Senegal fired eight, three of which tested the keeper.
Extra time brought no breakthrough, sending the match to penalties.
Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé missed their efforts, while South Africa coolly converted all four.
The result sets up a blockbuster semi-final with Nigeria. Hosts Morocco will face Ghana in the other semi-final as the tournament heads into its final stretch.
Watch the highlights below:
