Banyana Banyana midfielder Gabriela Salgado says the team is fully prepared for their highly anticipated Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, expressing confidence that South Africa can get the job done in regulation time.
Both teams enter the match with clear ambitions: Nigeria is looking to reclaim the title they lost in 2022 and complete “Mission X”, winning a record-extending 10th championship, while South Africa are determined to defend the crown they claimed in Morocco two years ago and become only the second team in WAFCON history to do so.
For 27-year-old Salgado, who is making her debut at the tournament and scored one of the penalties during South Africa’s dramatic shootout win over Senegal in the quarterfinals, the semifinal will be a tough encounter, but one they’re fully prepared for.
“We know we’re going into a semifinal, and it’s going to be a challenge, but we are physically and mentally prepared,” Salgado said at the pre-match press conference. “We understand the responsibility we carry, and we’re looking forward to a good game, hopefully finishing it within the 90 minutes.”
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Reflecting on their last match, Salgado believes the experience against Senegal has further united the squad and boosted their morale heading into the semifinal.
“Every game teaches us something new, and we take those lessons into the next one. The Senegal game brought us even closer. We saw the hunger and the desire in each other’s eyes, and it reminded us how much we need one another for what lies ahead.
“I think the team is prepared. We’re ready. We know what we have to do, and everyone is on the same page. We’re excited for the game,” she added.
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