South Africa survive Senegal challenge to advance on penalties to WAFCON semifinals

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana held off a stern challenge on Saturday evening as the defending champions advanced to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinals with a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Senegal following a 0-0 draw in Oujda, Morocco.

The signs were concerning for defending champions South Africa, who struggled to make any signs of a breakthrough while being stifiled by a physically imposing Senegalese side and defense.

South Africa goalkeeper and eventual hero Amanda Dlamini was called into action in the third minute to deny Nguenar Ndiaye with a kick save. Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye’s blushes were spared midway through the first half when she managed to close down an opportunity for Banyana Banyana after a potentially disastrous turnover in her own penalty area.

The second half continued the stalemate with both sides limited to half chances. South Africa midfielder Refiloe Jane’s long range effort shortly after halftime just went over the bar.

In extra time, it appeared that Banyana Banyana flank player Lebogang Ramalepe had produced the match winner but VAR intervened for an offsides call that perhaps required more scrutiny before being disallowed.

Hildah Magaia then got behind on the left flank for South Africa in the 108th minute but her shot was tipped over by Ndiaye. A penalty appeal was denied for South Africa in the 111th when Magaia went down under a challenge from Senegal defender Wolimata Ndiaye but a VAR review was inconclusive for referee Shahenda El Maghrabi, who elected to go with her initial decision of no penalty kick.

In the end, however, it was experienced Banyana goalkeeper Dlamini who rose to the occasion to bail her team out in the penalty shootout. The Mamelodi Sundowns keeper denied back-to-back efforts from Nguenar Ndiaye and Meta Kande while her teammates went a perfect 4-for-4 to secure a tense victory.

South Africa now face Nigeria in a duel that many predict the eventua champions will emerge from. They will clash at the Stade Larbi Zouali in Casablanca on July 22 (16:00 GMT).