South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, has heaped praise on the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana for reaching the final of the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Morocco.
Desiree Ellis’ charges needed an added time penalty to get past a resilient Zambia in the COSAFA derby in the semi-finals of the competition in Casablanca, with midfielder Linda Motlhalo converting from the spot to hand victory to South Africa.
His words were echoed by Dr Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
“Banyana Banyana achieved this feat on Mandela Day and marked it by clinching a place in the final. We send our congratulations to the team after this massive effort,” Dr Jordaan told www.SAFA.net
This is Banyana Banyana’s second final in a row – they achieved this feat in 2018 but lost to the then defending champions Nigeria on penalties in Ghana.
They will now face hosts Morocco in what is expected to be an epic final with both sides looking for their maiden title in the tournament.
The North Africans defeated the Super Falcons on penalties in a nail-biting semi-final that saw two Nigerian players sent off.
South Africa and Morocco face off on Saturday night (23 July) to decide who will be crowned the new queens of the African continent.
This will be third nation to win the tournament after Nigeria (9) and Equatorial Guinea (2) were the only other two winners.
By Matlhomola Morake
