Banyana battle in front of goals
Semis clash with Zambia a huge test
Much as Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis admits that her team is yet to dish out its best football at the ongoing Cosafa Women’s Championship, she is not deterred by the looming semifinal clash with Zambia today (1pm).
In ShePolopolo – as the ladies from the copper-producing country are known – South Africa face a free-scoring side who banged in 14 goals during the round-robin phase.
Zambia advanced to the last four as group winners ahead of hosts Zimbabwe, who will face Kenya in another semifinal (at 3pm).
“It’s a big pressure game but our defence is our strong point and we could possibly cancel each other out,” warned Ellis.
The 54-year-old tactician also welcomed the fact that they were returning to Barbourfields Stadium, where Banyana showcased their passing game against Namibia.
“The pitch will also suit Zambia because of the width [while] Luveve [Stadium] is small and compact; it suited teams like Botswana, who are not mobile,” said Ellis.
“They came through a tough group and that might give them the edge.”
Banyana advanced as group winners ahead of Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.
South Africa have struggled somewhat to bury even the easiest of chances and their training on Tuesday emphasised more target shooting, while they also practised penalty taking.
Banyana have scored seven goals but these came from three players – Thembi Kgatlana, Chantelle Esau (three each) and Leandra Smeda.
“Not scoring makes it difficult for us,” admitted Ellis.
She blamed the lack of cohesion on the fact that this is a new-look Banyana side, with six new faces handed their debuts at the regional championship.
The winners will face off in the final on Sunday, while the losing semifinalists will battle for bronze on Saturday.