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Banyana Banyana, July 2025Backpagepix

2024 WAFCON: Predicting Banyana Banyana's XI to face Nigeria in semi-final showdown - How will Desiree Ellis fix things upfront after firing blanks against Senegal?

Banyana Banyana continue with a bid to defend the Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a semi-final showdown against Nigeria at Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Tuesday.

After struggling in attack in the quarter-finals against Senegal, this is an area coach Desiree Ellis might be keen to fix.

GOAL predicts how the Banyana coach might pick his starting lineup.

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  • Andile Dlamini, Banyana Banyana, July 2025Backpage

    GOALKEEPER: Andile Dlamini

    She was the star of the show when she saved penalties in the shootout against Senegal in the quarter-finals and justified why she should be selected ahead of Kaylin Swart.

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  • Lebohang Ramalepe of South AfricaBackpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Lebohang Ramalepe

    The Banyana vice-captain is an experienced player who has faced the Super Falcons a number of times in her international career.

  • FBL-WC-2023-WOMEN-MATCH51-NED-RSAAFP

    LEFT-BACK: Karabo Dhlamini

    Another reliable player in this side, Dhlamini gives Ellis the confidence that everything is secure at the back.

  • Bambanani Mbane & Lucia Di Guglielmo, Banyana Banyana vs Italy, August 2023Getty

    CENTRE-BACK: Bambanane Mbane

    The 35-year-old is a key player in Banyana's defence and she scored against Tanzania at the ongoing WAFCON.

  • Fikile Magama of Banyana BanyanaBackpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Fikile Magama

    Magama has been part of this solid defence, which will face Nigeria, who scored five goals without reply against Zambia in the quarter-finals.

  • Refiloe Jane of Banyana BanyanaBackpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Refiloe Jane

    Jane's captaincy will be put to the test to see if he can lead South Africa to victory against this Nigerian side, which is regarded as the tournament favourites.

  • Tiisetso Makhubela of South AfricaBackpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Tiisetso Makhubela

    Her combination with Jane in midfield has been key in helping shield the defence.

  • Sibulele Holweni - BanyanaGetty Images

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Sibulele Holweni

    Although they were not sharp in front of goal, Banyana forwards did not get much feeding from the midfield against Senegal and Holweni would want to increase her supply of the attackers.

  • Jermaine Seoposenwe of Banyana BanyanaBackpagepix

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Jermaine Seoposenwe

    One of the players who might take the blame for Banyana's struggle for goals against Senegal and this is something he might want to improve.

  • Linda Motlhalo South Africa BanyanaGetty

    LEFT ATTACKER: Linda Motlhalo

    On her day, the Super Falcons could be in trouble if Motlhalo is on fire.

  • South Africa v Italy: Group G - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023Getty Images Sport

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Hilda Magaia

    Magaia struggled against Senegal and coach Ellis might have wished having Thembi Kgatlana to help push her, but the former will be eager to make amends.

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