by MOHAMED EL KADIRI
CASABLANCA – OLD rivalries will be renewed on Tuesday as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) progresses to the semifinal stage.
Some enticing fixtures are on the cards for the biennial tournament including nine time champions Nigeria and title holder South Africa at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Hosts Morocco and Ghana, each seeking their first title, kick off later at the Olympic Stadium Rabat.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana have fought classic battles over the years and the upcoming fixture looks likely to be exciting.
Both were in devastating form in the last eight of this competition.
Nigeria sent Zambia packing 5-0 while South Africa thrashed Senegal 4-1 in penalty shootout following goalless draw in both regulation time, and extra-time.
“Nigeria is a familiar team that we’ve played against over the last couple of years,” said Desiree Ellis, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana coach, at the pre-match conference.
“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,” she added.
Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, runners-up at the last edition they also hosted, were convincing in the quarterfinals, dismissing Mali 3-1.
They came against the Black Queens, who needed penalties (4-2) after finishing goalless against Algeria.
Ghana coach, Kim Björkegren, believes his three-time silver medal winners have been underestimated for far “too long.”
“We want to shake things up,” he said pre-match.
– CAJ News
