Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk says it was important that they gauge where they are in terms of match fitness as well as readiness, and the Zambia clash helped them in that regard.
The South Africans lost 3-0 to the Copper Queens on Saturday, 12 February 2022.
The two nations met in an international friendly match at the Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
This was South Africa’s first match of the year and proved to be a torrid time for Desiree Ellis’ charges – especially in the first half when they conceded three goals, which proved to be the difference.
Zambia’s top striker Barbra Banda ran riot around the Banyana Banyana defence and scored two goals on either side of Avell Chitundu’s strike.
“It was a very tough game. We played a very tough opponent. We knew Barbra was going to give us a lot of problems running in behind the defenders, and that is exactly what she did in the first half. But we managed to stop her in the second stanza, and they did not score. We also changed the team a bit to give us more balance in the backline,” said a disappointed Van Wyk.
The defender adds that what transpired in Lusaka was a much-needed eye-opener ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria.
“The result was not what we wanted in order for us to move forward with confidence, but also it’s an eyeopener for all of us knowing we are not at the level where we need to be as yet. It is the beginning of the year and we know we have an important match against Algeria coming up, so it is good that this was just a warm up game for us to know what errors to fix going forward. But overall the team pushed very hard – it just wasn’t our day at the office. We have a week and a bit to prepare for the crucial one against Algeria,” added Van Wyk.
Banyana Banyana faced Zambia with the bulk of the local-based players – forward Hilda Magaia, who plies her trade in Sweden, was the only overseas-based player in the squad.
For the crucial Algeria clash, Ellis will ring some changes to the team as she is expecting the arrival of a contingent of players based abroad to boost the squad.
Van Wyk says despite the result against Zambia, they will be ready for the North Africans.
“The coach has brought in a couple of players with two of them making their debut today – which was fantastic, they did really well. So the team is getting stronger and stronger, it is just for the coach to find balance in the squad,” concluded the defender.
“It is good to play such friendly games against such tough opponents to prepare us for something even bigger. This was very good preparation. The overseas-based players are coming in and this will strengthen our team, and boost the confidence a little bit. But we know we will be ready for Algeria.”
Banyana Banyana were expected to arrive in South Africa on Sunday (13 February 2022) from Zambia.
They will host the North Africans on Friday, 18 February with the return leg scheduled for Wednesday, 23 February in Algeria.
By Matlhomola Morake
