Women's AFCON 2024: Senegal chase an upset, Algeria v Ghana a heavyweight clash
Women's AFCON 2024: the last quarter-finals are today, with defending champions South Africa taking on Senegal
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Reigning African champions South Africa clearly have no intention of giving up their title. Banyana Banyana showed as much in the group stage, with two wins from three games (plus a draw), including a 4-0 thrashing of Mali on matchday 3. Growing in strength as the tournament went on, the South Africans made it plain that it takes a very good side to beat them. Desiree Ellis, though, does not want to underestimate the opposition.
"They came out of a very difficult group, which says a lot about their quality. The matches they have played – apart from the one against DR Congo – have been very tight, with just one goal in it. They have talent, we faced them last year in June. But they have improved so much and, given their current level, we absolutely must be at the top of our game." Is that simply a precaution, or a way of keeping her players focused ahead of a knockout tie?
Read also: Women's AFCON 2024: Nigeria and Morocco in the semi-finals
Whatever the case, South Africa are logical favourites for this women's AFCON quarter-final. Senegal made a flying start to their tournament, thrashing DR Congo 4-0. But the Lionesses then fell away with defeats of 2-3 and 0-1 against Zambia and Morocco respectively. They needed to be one of the best third-placed sides to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in a row. Even so, Mame Moussa Cissé's players are aiming to win and claim the scalp of the defending champions, but above all to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in their history.
Algeria v Ghana: an evenly matched contest
In the other quarter-final, Algeria and Ghana go head to head. The Algerians have reached this stage of the tournament for the first time in their history. They arrive full of confidence after an impressive first round in which they did not lose a game and, above all, did not concede a single goal in the tournament. It is an achievement that could take them further in the Women's AFCON, provided they first beat Ghana.
The Ghanaians, for their part, are seeking redemption. They missed the last edition of the Women's AFCON. With three final appearances to their name (1998, 2002 and 2006), Ghana are still chasing a first title. Their last big result in the tournament came in 2018, with a 3rd-place finish. They will therefore need to try to do at least as well.
Today's schedule (GMT)
16:00: Algeria v Ghana
19:00 : South Africa v Senegal