It’s all systems go in the WAFCON (Women’s Africa Cup of Nations) and all eyes are on the defending champions Super Falcons of Nigeria versus Banyana Banyana when the two arch rivals lock horns in a Group C opener on Monday, 4 July 2022 at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan stadium.
Catch the action live on SuperSport at 7pm CAT, GMT +2)
The Banyana Banyana/Super Falcons encounter is the biggest match in Women’s football on the African continent and the outcome normally sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.
The 2022 WAFCON tournament got underway on Saturday afternoon with hosts Morocco getting a victory against gusty debutants Burkina Faso.
However, the game that has been a topic of discussion across different platforms is Monday’s encounter featuring old enemies Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria will be eyeing a 10th title in this competition while Banyana Banyana will be hoping to finally bring the cup to South Africa after five failed attempts. They finished as runners-up in the last Edition in 2018.
The last time the two sides met was in September 2021 in the inaugural Aisha Buhari Cup where Desiree Ellis charges were crowned champions following a convincing 4-2 victory.
Speaking at a Press Conference on Sunday afternoon, Banyana Banyana coach emphasized the importance of getting good result in the opening game of the competition.
“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,” said Ellis.
“We want to start well and we know it is going to be a tough encounter. They are not Champions for nothing,” she added.
“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 among the best.
“It’s all about the three points at the moment and getting the tournament to a good start,” added Ellis
The coach was joined by Banyana Banyana goalkeeper and co-captain Andile Dlamini who shared the same sentiments with regards to the importance of the game from the players’ perspective.
“As players’ we are extremely excited about our match tomorrow, it won’t be easy but we are confident our technical team has done enough homework and its now up to us to do our best in the field of play,” said Dlamini.
Matchups
Onome Ebi vs Thembi KgatlanaWith four WAFCON titles and a record five World Cup appearances to her name, Ebi knows a thing or two about playing on the big stage. Her experience will come in handy when she comes up against the youthful reigning African Player of the Year Kgatlana.
Janine van Wyk vs Asisat Oshoala
If the 2018 final is anything to go by then we have a real battle on our hands come Monday. The fast-paced Oshoala, who is fresh from winning the Primera Division Feminina – the top-flight women’s league in Spain with Barcelona, will be bringing that form to Morocco to try and help her side win yet another continental title, but first – Banyana Banyana.
The latter’s veteran and former captain Van Wyk will have her hands full on the day if selected to play and her experience is expected to be crucial. Her good eye for the ball and reading of the game will be timely, as South Africa look for a perfect start.
The other matchups worth mentioning include former England youth international Plumptre Ashleigh Megan, who has played for the U17, U19 and U23s before joining Leicester City, and who will be partnering Ebi in central defence as they look to thwart Banyana Banyana’s attack.
However, in returnee Jermaine Seoposenwe, Desiree Ellis’ side have a proven international player who comes with exposure from plying her trade in SC Braga in the Portuguese league.
Linda Motlhalo of Banyana Banyana has shown in the past that her tactful finishing has the potential to ask the right questions of Nigeria and on the other end Rita Chikwelu could be the answer.
Holistically though, both sides are ready for the challenge and the stage has been set for fireworks as the world waits for these two giants to face off!