It’s always tough playing Super Falcons, says Nompulelelo Nyandeni

The 29-year-old midfielder believes her side will face a tough task against the defending champions in their semi-final clash on Tuesday

South Africa women midfielder, Nompulelelo Nyandeni has warned her side to expect a tough game when they battle the defending champions, Super Falcons in the semi-final of the African Women’s Cup of Nations.

Nigeria progressed to the last four stage of the tourney top of Group B after beating Kenya 4-0 in their last group game, and they will battle Banyana Banyana for a spot in the final.

The midfielder admits the game won’t be easy, but insists they can get a win in the encounter.

“It is always a battle of the best when we face Nigeria,” Nyandeni told Supersport.

“The rivalry between us started long before our days in the national team, and playing against the Super Falcons is always like a cup final, regardless of the stage of the tournament.

“In any case once you are in the last four you can’t pick and choose. Those teams did not get there by fluke, and to get to the top you have to go past them.

“It is not going to be an easy game and I am confident we can walk away with victory. We have beaten them before and, to do that again, we will have to play as a team.”

“It took us three matches to start scoring goals in this tournament, so our confidence levels are on a high after the win against Egypt,” she continued.

“We have been watching their matches since the start of the tournament, and will now analyse them with the technical team.

“They are a very balanced side, just like us, and they are not impossible to beat. If we settle early in the match, and follow our game tactics, then I believe we stand a good chance of overcoming them.”