Ellis says South Africa must be aggressive to pass Nigeria WAFCON test

South Africa women’s national team head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has urged her players to be on top of their game if they harbour any hopes of defeating Nigeria in the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday.

While South Africa reached the stage after beating Senegal 4-1 on penalties following a -0-0 draw in regular and added time, Nigeria punched their ticket in emphatic style after mauling favourites Zambia 5-0.

“Nigeria is a familiar team that we’ve played against over the last couple of years. We travelled yesterday and today, and we will have our final training session and there’s not much you can do in one day,” said Ellis as quoted by SAFA Media.

“But there are a few things that you can tweak, and a few things that you can work on. The technical team has been really busy behind the scenes and leaving no stone unturned, so I think you don’t need motivation for a semifinal, and we are ready for the game.”

Ellis continued: “I don’t think it means a lot, it does mean, however, that we know we can get over the line, but I think past results don’t really mean anything because it’s a different tournament and it’s three years down the line.

“Also, it’s a different coach and some new players, but it’s the same Nigeria and they have the quality. We have to be on top of our game to make sure we get over the hurdle. They are the only country that has defended back-to-back on numerous occasions, and it would be big for our country.”

The last meeting between the two women’s football giants was in 2022 in the group stages of the same tournament with South Africa winning 2-1, courtesy of goals from Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia, and went on to win the title.

The winner of this semi-final clash between South Africa and Nigeria will face off with the last team standing in the other last four fixture between hosts Morocco and Ghana.