Banyana look to home advantage against Super Falcons

BANYANA Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and striker Thembi Kgatlana are banking on the support of the home fans to overturn their 1-0 deficit to the Super Falcons in the first leg of the 2024 Olympics qualifying match against Nigeria.

The crucial home leg will take place in Pretoria on Tuesday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 7:30 pm.

Reflecting on their performance in Abuja, Kgatlana acknowledged the slow start in the first half but remained positive about their improvement in the second half. She emphasized the advantage of playing at home, where they are familiar with the facilities and can capitalize on the support of their fans.

“In the first half [in Abuja], we started a bit slow and coming into the second half we were better. That’s the positive we need to take at home with familiar facilities,” Kgatlana said.

“The good thing is this is not a tournament. We know after the game in Pretoria, whoever wins will go through, but they have the advantage after the first leg. There is no away-goal rule.

“I also think that gives us more confidence because we are not chasing the game. We have to win with a better score. We also have an advantage at home with better facilities.”

Kgatlana highlighted the absence of an awaygoal rule, which means that Banyana can approach the match with confidence, focusing on securing a win without the pressure of chasing the game. Ellis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of both scoring goals and maintaining defensive solidity to prevent conceding.