‘Ghana friendly is just what we need’
Playing Ghana will be a big boost in helping the team prepare thoroughly for the 2019 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWC), says Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis.
The South African Football Association (Safa) confirmed the friendly between Banyana and the AWC hosts on Wednesday, which will be played on November 11 in Ghana.
The Banyana coach is expecting a tough encounter against the Black Queens and says it is exactly what the team needs ahead of the continental tournament, which starts on November 17.
“They are a tough nation to play against, more so because they have been in camp for quite a while now. They have lined up another friendly match against Zambia before they play us, which will give them some momentum, and they will really challenge us, which is what we need,” said Ellis.
“I have always said before that nothing beats playing matches to prepare for a tournament because in that way you are able to pinpoint areas you need to rectify, so I can only convey my greatest gratitude to both Safa and the Ghana FA for agreeing to this fixture. I believe it will go a long way in helping both nations prepare thoroughly. After playing in the Cosafa Cup we now need to take it a notch higher to get to where we want to be at the end of the Afcon.”
Ellis is expected to announce her squad of 21 players that will represent the country at the competition on November 7. The team will then depart for Ghana two days later.
“We will get to experience the atmosphere first-hand, which will almost be like what we will go through when the tournament starts.”
At the tournament, Banyana will lock horns with nemesis Nigeria in the opening game of Group B, before their tie with Kenya and a clash with Zambia in their final group stage match.
Meanwhile, Group A consists of Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Algeria.