Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana squad, Desiree Ellis, says they know all too well what to expect when they take on Nigeria in their opening match of the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
South Africa’s Group C clash with the nine-time champions takes place on Monday, 4 July at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The fixture is a repeat of the opening fixture in the 2018 edition of the tournament held in Ghana, won 1-0 by Banyana Banyana.
Both sides met again in the final with the Super Falcons souring over South Africa to lift the trophy.
But Banyana Banyana turned the tables against their more-fancied opponents when they met in September last year in the inaugural Aisha Buhari Cup, with Banyana Banyana won the tournament with a dominant a 4-2 victory.
Addressing the media on match -1, Ellis said this will be the match that will set the tone for the competition.
“It’s all about the three points at the moment and getting the tournament to a good start. The first game of the tournament is always the biggest game and this makes it even better because it’s against defending champions Nigeria and because it is Nigeria, the game is bigger than what it is supposed to be. We want to start well and we know it is going to be a tough encounter. They are not Champions for nothing. They have been consistent over the years and that is one area that we need to improve on – to be consistent in our performances and be classified amongst the best,” said Ellis on SAFA.net
She was flanked at the Press Conference by experienced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, who is expected to be between the sticks for the opening match.
“The players are extremely excited about tomorrow’s match. We know it won’t be easy but we are confident that technical team has done enough homework to get us ready – now it is up to us to do our best on the field,” said Dlamini.
The tournament gets underway this afternoon (Saturday, 2 July) with an opening ceremony, following the first match of the competition where the hosts will face debutants Burkina Faso.
By Matlhomola Morake
