Banyana Banyana progressed to the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Senegal in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday evening.
One change for Banyana from the emphatic victory over Mali on Monday saw Amogelang Motau make way for Sibulele Holweni.
It wasn’t a comfortable opening for Banyana, who almost fell behind with a snap shot from the right of the area by Nguenar Ndiaye, but goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was able to make the save.
The reigning came into their own and nearly pounced on a goalkeeping mix-up from Adji Ndiaye midway through the first spell but Jermaine Seoposenwe failed to profit.
There were more openings for the Lionesses of Teranga before the interval when Haby Balde powered in a low probing shot from deep and stung the gloves of Dlamini.
In the second period, the battle between the defending champions and counterparts from West Africa remained compact with minimal clear-cut moments.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis shifted to the substitutes bench minutes after the resumption and hauled in Holweni for Motau.
Lionesses enjoyed more moments later on when Ndiaye found space unmarked in the box to get a shot from a tight angle, but Dlamini made a stop.
However, Banyana didn’t lose focus as the minutes ticked on and nearly had the lead with a header from a tight angle by Lebohang Ramalepe, but missed target.
Ramalepe came good five minutes in extra-time with a simple finish following a run in-behind, but it was disallowed for offside.
Banyana received a penalty in the 114th minute from a challenge on Hildah Magaia, but after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the spot-kick was overturned.
As the match entered a penalty shoot-out, goalkeeper Dlamini became the hero with two saves in the shoot-out and guided Banyana to the semi-finals with a 4-1 triumph.
Image: @CAFWomen