The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will face Algeria at the Orlando Stadium on Friday, 18 February 2022 in the first leg of third and final round of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers.
The return leg will be played away on Wednesday, 23 February.
The South Africans are currently in camp and continuing with preparations for the upcoming crucial fixture – and will have to get their ducks in a row, more so as they are coming from a huge defeat against Zambia in an international friendly in Lusaka.
Banyana Banyana suffered a 3-0 loss https://centrecircle.archgriffin-hosting.co.za/banyana-banyana-kick-off-2022-with-loss-to-zambia/ at the Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday (12 February 2022).
Head coach Desiree Ellis has made some additions to her squad, naming a strong squad of 24 players that includes overseas-based players (they missed the Zambia match due to club commitments).
After a long absence from the South African Senior Women’s National Team, the duo of Karabo Dhlamini and Kholosa Biyana are back in the squad. They are both based in the USA and Spain respectively.
Also recalled are Refiloe Jane and Nomvula Kgoale (both Italy), Lebogang Ramalepe (Belarus), Noko Matlou and Thembi Kgatlana (both Spain) and Linda Motlhalo from Sweden.
Jane and Ramalepe have already joined their compatriots in camp, while the rest of the overseas-based contingent is expected to arrive during the week.
Youngster Asanda Radebe of Sunflower FC in KwaZulu Natal, has been brought in as a replacement for the injured Noxolo Cesane, while the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies trio of Oratile Mokwena, Karabo Makhurubetshi and Rhoda Mulaudzi have been left out.
Banyana Banyana squad to face Algeria
Goalkeepers:
- Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
- Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
- Regirl Ngobeni (University of Western Cape)
Defenders:
4. Lebogang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk, Belarus)
5. Karabo Dhlamini (Oakland University, USA)
6. Antonia Maponya (University of Western Cape)
7. Koketso Tlailane (Tshwane University of Technology)
8. Janine Van Wyk (JVW FC)
9. Tiisetso Makhubela (Tshwane University of Technology)
10. Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
11. Noko Matlou (SD Eibar, Spain)
Midfielders:
12. Refiloe Jane (AC Milan, Italy)
13. Nomvula Kgoale (Parquesol CD, Italy)
14. Linda Motlhalo (Djurgarden, Sweden)
15. Thalea Smidt (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
16. Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC)
17. Kholosa Biyana (Sporting de Gijon, Spain)
18. Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
19. Gabriela Salgado ( JVW FC)
Forwards:
- Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape)
- Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC)
- Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid, Spain)
- Hildah Magaia (Moron BK, Sweden)
- Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
By Matlhomola Morake
