Past results don't mean anything, says Banyana's Ellis ahead of WAFCON semi vs Nigeria
Banyana will have a tough task on their hands as they'll come up against a Super Falcons team that is high in confidence after a thumping 5-0 win over Zambia in the quarterfinals and has yet to concede a goal at the tournament after four games.
Banyana Banyana players celebrate a goal in the WAFCON match against Ghana in Morocco on 7 July 2025. Picture: @Banyana_Banyana/X
JOHANNESBURG - Reigning champions Banyana Banyana play arch-rivals Nigeria in the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night.
Banyana will have a tough task on their hands as they'll come up against a Super Falcons team that is high in confidence after a thumping 5-0 win over Zambia in the quarterfinals and has yet to concede a goal at the tournament after four games.
Coach Desiree Ellis also conceded that their opponents have been dealt a favourable hand as they’ll be at a familiar venue, Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, where they've played all their matches, while her team had to travel 600km from their base in Oujda.
Ellis' players also had to contend with a gruelling quarterfinal with Senegal, which went to extra-time and penalties. But she’s confident the euphoria of getting through and playing in another big game will spur them on.
"Even though it was energy-sapping, the celebrations afterwards and the togetherness tells you how it’s energised the team. It’s invigorated the team and shows how connected they were. I think the mental coach has also played a huge role where that is concerned because when the body is tired, the mental aspect comes into play. She’s been working really well with the team, she played a huge role in 2022 and she’s playing a huge role now," Ellis said.
In nine previous matches between Nigeria and South Africa at WAFCON, the Super Falcons have won six matches, with SA winning three. All the Banyana victories, however, have come in the last four encounters between the two sides, which could suggest the tide may be turning in their rivalry. Their most recent match at the tournament was a 2-1 win for Banyana in the group stage in 2022.
"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," said Ellis.
Kick-off tonight is at 6pm and the match will be broadcast live on SABC 3 and on SuperSport.