Banyana Banyana ‘ready’ for Nigeria in Wafcon semi-final
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says the team is ready to face Nigeria in the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca on Tuesday.
South Africa is on a mission to defend the title it won four years ago.
“Nigeria is a familiar team that we’ve played against over the last couple of years. We travelled yesterday and today, and we will have our final training session, and there’s not much you can do in one day,” said Ellis.
“But there are a few things that you can tweak, and a few things that you can work on. The technical team has been really busy behind the scenes, leaving no stone unturned, so I think you don’t need motivation for a semifinal, and we are ready for the game.
The four-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year believes their previous meetings with Nigeria will count for very little on the night.
“I don’t think it means a lot, it does mean, however, that we know we can get over the line, but I think past results don’t mean anything because it’s a different tournament and it’s three years down the line.
“Also, it’s a different coach and some new players, but it’s the same Nigeria and they have the quality. We have to be on top of our game to make sure we get over the hurdle. They are the only country that has defended back-to-back on numerous occasions, and it would be big for our country,” added Ellis.
The two teams travelled different paths to the last four, with Nigeria winning all their four games, with the quarterfinal being a complete runover against Zambia. The Super Falcons are yet to concede.
Banyana Banyana drew one match and won three, with the last one decided on penalties against Senegal.
The winner of this semi-final clash between Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons will face the last team standing in the other last-four fixture between hosts Morocco and Ghana.
