As anticipation builds for a titanic semi-final clash between South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), head coach Desiree Ellis has issued a rallying cry warning her team of the high-pressure stakes and urging them to focus on the present rather than past victories.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of the much-anticipated encounter, Ellis made it clear that despite South Africa’s recent edge over Nigeria, including their last win at the 2022 WAFCON, this fixture represents a fresh battle.
“You Don’t Look Back, You Look Forward” — Ellis Warns of Underestimating Nigeria
Coach Ellis was firm in her assessment that past success counts for little in a new tournament.
“Look, pressure is part of the game. I think pressure happens when you get a call-up to the national team because now you’re at a different level to where you are at club level. Each and every game is different.”
“I think history doesn’t mean anything in terms of winning the last two games against Nigeria. It’s a completely different game. It’s a completely different tournament,” Ellis said.
“It’s three years down the line. You don’t look back, you look forward. Because results in the past tell you that you can, but it doesn’t mean that it will happen until you step up to the plate and try to do the job.”
The Banyana Banyana tactician emphasized that her team must stay grounded and fully respect their opponents, who boast a rich pedigree in African women’s football.
“We’re not looking at past results, we’re looking at the now. We know it’s going to be a difficult game. Every game at the background has been difficult.”
”I don’t think there’s any team when you look at the Senegal that we played they came out of a very, very difficult group.”
”First 4-0, but after that it was very, very close. So you underestimate the team at your own peril.”
“We Play to Win” — Ellis Ready for the Fight
Ellis reiterated that South Africa is not in Morocco just to compete, they’re here to conquer.
“You take things for granted at your own peril. This team is a team that will never, ever do that.”
”We will make sure that we give the respect that’s deserved, but we’re also a team that can play because you play games to win it.”
“You know you’re coming up against an opponent that’s extremely strong, that’s going to give you a good game, that’s going to challenge you in every aspect.”
”But we are similar, we will challenge another team in a different aspect. And I think it’s going to come down to who takes their chances. And hopefully we come out victorious.”
Salgado: “We Won’t Go Down Without a Fight”
Echoing her coach’s determination, Banyana Banyana winger Gabriela Salgado promised that South Africa will give it everything when the two giants of African football lock horns.
The attacking midfielder believes it will be a high-stakes game where only the most composed and clinical team will prevail.
Clash of Titans Awaits
Both South Africa and Nigeria have been in strong form this tournament, and their semi-final clash is expected to be an electric contest filled with intensity and no shortage of talent on display.
Kick-off: [22nd of July, 2025/ 5pm WAT]
Venue: [Larbi Zaouli Stadium]
