Banyana Banyana are charged up and eager to commence their defense of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title against Burkina Faso this evening, aiming for a strong start.
The South African women’s national team clinched the African crown for the first time in the biennial tournament held in Morocco last year, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in the country. With the added achievement of reaching the round of 16 at this year’s World Cup in Australasia, Banyana Banyana enters the Wafcon finals in Morocco next year as the team to beat.
However, before aiming for a title defense, they must qualify by overcoming Burkina Faso in a two-legged fixture. Banyana is determined to kick off their qualifying campaign on a positive note by securing a victory in the first leg at the neutral Charles Konan Barney Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, tonight (6 pm SA time).
A win away with a clean sheet is seen as crucial, setting a favorable tone for the team’s intentions in their final game of the year at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Monday.
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini emphasized the importance of winning the first leg, stating, “If we win this game, that will give us an upper hand when we go back home. We don’t want (to) put ourselves under pressure when we go home.”
Highlighting the significance of playing for the fans in their last game of the year, Dlamini stressed the need to avoid underestimating the opponent and to give their best for everyone’s happiness.
Coach Desiree Ellis, pleased to have most of her regular players available, expressed her satisfaction after the team’s initial training session in Abidjan. Despite acknowledging the challenges of traveling in Africa, Ellis praised the experienced players for their ability to handle and adapt quickly to such situations.
Main image: SNL24
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