Banyana on verge of making history
Team confident after good preparation in 15 friendlies
The reality that Banyana Banyana haven’t won the Women’s African Cup of Nations (Afcon) before, being arguably the most prepared nation at this year’s tournament in Ghana, binds the women’s senior national team to deliver a top drawer performance.
Banyana are in Group B alongside defending champions Nigeria, Zambia and Equatorial Guinea. The team is already in Ghana, gearing up for their first group encounter against the Super Falcons next Sunday.
Today, coach Desiree Ellis leads Banyana into their last preparatory match against the hosts Ghana. It will be their 15th friendly match ahead of Afcon.
Out of 14 friendlies, Banyana notched up eight wins, three draws and three losses.
They lost to Sweden, Chile and Belgium. They managed to beat Hungary and Cameroon, among their eight wins. Banyana drew against Korea DPR, Slovakia and Chile, who they played twice.
Meanwhile, favourites Nigeria, in their quest to retain the Women’s Afcon, have only played eight friendlies so far.
While Ellis kept reiterating their fine preparations, she is aware that it does not automatically guarantee success. “Yes, we have had wonderful preparations but we need to be lethal in front of goal and execute our game plan to the tee.”
Midfield ace Linda Motlhalo was optimistic about their good preparations.
“We prepared well, that gives us confidence to excel and qualify for the Fifa World Cup next year,” said Motlhalo, who turns out for Houston Dash in the US.
Banyana’s second group fixture is against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, before taking on Zambia three days later. The tournament runs from Saturday 17 November until December 1. Only the top three finishers will qualify as Africa’s representatives at the France World Cup next year.