WAFCON: South Africa vs Senegal preview — prediction, team news, key players to watch, others

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, defending champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, square off against Senegal’s rapidly improving Lionesses of Teranga in a quarter-final battle packed with narrative and stakes.

• Date: Saturday, 19 July 2025

  
  
  

• Kick-off: 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT / 20:00 WAT)

• Venue: Stade de l’Honneur, Oujda, Morocco

Road to the Round of 8

South Africa topped Group C with 7 points, scoring 7 goals and conceding just once. Highlights included a 2–0 win over Ghana and a decisive 4–0 thrashing of Mali . While their draw against Tanzania stopped a perfect streak, their overall form was dominant.

Senegal advanced as the best runner-up in Group A. Their group campaign began with a convincing 4–0 victory over DR Congo, followed by resilience in draws and a solid finish against Morocco and Zambia. Their balance and tactical growth were clear signs of ambition.

Players to Watch

South Africa:

• Refiloe Jane has been instrumental in midfield and delivered a sensational free-kick against Mali.

• Hildah Magaia adds pace, composure, and finishing, having scored the third goal versus Mali.

• Lebohang Ramalepe ignited South Africa’s dominant win over Mali with an early opener.

Senegal:

• Ndeye Awa Diakhaté made history by scoring Senegal’s first-ever WAFCON finals goal in 2022 and adds continental experience down the front.

  
  
  

• Safietou Sagna, the team captain, marshals the backline with positional discipline and leadership.

• Nguenar Ndiaye is Senegal’s top scorer, netting key goals in qualifiers and recent WAFU tournaments.

Additionally, Wolimata Ndiaye, a rising star who scored in back-to-back WAFU titles, brings youthful flair.

Quarterfinal mood…
🇿🇦⚽️🇿🇦#BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/SRvfyaIXi2

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 15, 2025

Tactical Analysis

South Africa typically deploy a fluid 4‑3‑3 system designed for possession control and wing dominance. Their pace on the flanks and set-piece efficiency supply consistent threat .

Senegal, under coach Mame Moussa Cissé, favour a disciplined 4‑2‑3‑1 formation. They focus on compact defending, quick transitions, and utilising creative outlets like Diakhaté and Ndiaye for counterattacks .

The tactical chess match will revolve around how South Africa break down Senegal’s organization and whether Senegal can force turnovers in midfield and exploit space behind the South African fullbacks.

Strengths & Vulnerabilities

South Africa’s Strengths:

• Clinical finishing and scoring variety, as shown versus Mali.

• Depth in attack and midfield under coach Desireé Ellis, undefeated streak intact.

Vulnerability:

• Occasional over-dependence on individual quality when possession breaks down, as against Tanzania.

Senegal’s Strengths:

• Leadership and resilience under veteran captain Sagna.

• Rising consistency in WAFU competitions and qualifiers, winning regional titles in 2020 and 2023.

Weaknesses:

• Limited history in knockout stages at WAFCON.

• Reliance on a narrow pool of attacking talent for goals.

Match Prediction

Expect a tactical battle with South Africa as favourites, though Senegal’s discipline means it may be tight. Banyana’s superior depth and attacking clarity likely gives them the edge.

Predicted Scoreline: 2–0 in favour of South Africa, with goals from Jane and Magaia.