Play it again, Ellis: Casablanca awaits titans

TWO of Africa's premier women’s football nations will go toe-to-toe this evening when South Africa meet Nigeria in a blockbuster WAFCON semifinal at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca at 6pm.

- SMISO MSOMI

At stake is more than just a spot in the final - the winner secures automatic qualification to the 2026 Fifa Women's World Cup. It adds another layer of urgency and intensity to a rivalry that has grown into one of the continent's fiercest.

Recent history gives Banyana Banyana reason to be confident. In the last five meetings between the two nations, South Africa have registered two wins, Nigeria have claimed one, and two matches have ended in draws.

This includes Banyana’s famous 2-1 group-stage triumph over the Super Falcons in the 2022 WAFCON - the same tournament that ended with South Africa lifting the trophy for the very first time.

Speaking ahead of this huge clash, Ellis expressed that their win in 2022 will have little influence on proceedings in this match.