Banyana Banyana off to positive Wafcon start after beating Ghana

Banyana Banyana shook off the negativity which had besieged the build-up to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title defence when they beat Ghana 2-0 in their opening game at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Monday.

Linda Motlhalo’s expertly taken penalty in the 28th minute laid the foundation for South Africa’s success. Scotland-based Motlhalo slotted past Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan after Noxolo Cesane was fouled on the edge of the box.

Six minutes later, South Africa doubled the lead after the retiring Jermaine Seoposenwe latched on to a cross from Lebohang Ramalepe on the right wing.

It was cruise control thereafter, with some occasional turbulence as the Ghanaian attack asked questions of Banyana Banyana’s defence without any success.

Fully focused

Banyana Banyana came into this match with an extra bright spotlight focused on them — the defending champions had been plagued by off-field issues that looked like derailing the team’s title defence before it even began.

Their super striker, Thembi Kgatlana, made herself unavailable for selection ahead of the tournament for personal reasons. Then, the Banyana Banyana players took on the South African Football Association due to outstanding payments for pre-Wafcon friendlies.

However, there were no signs of these stressors during the game on Monday.

With the temperature reaching 36°C, the South Africans controlled the pace of the match throughout.

Banyana did not overexert themselves in the scorching heat. After asserting their dominance with the blitzkrieg blows from Motlhalo and Seoposenwe, it was easier for the team to dictate the tempo of the match as they made the Black Queens chase the ball.

When Ghana attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was on hand to thwart them, with the post coming to the aid of South Africa twice when Dlamini was beaten.

It was not a memorable Banyana Banyana performance, but it was one filled with the grit and tenacity which coach Desiree Ellis says defines her team.

“We have a group of players that can rise to the occasion. We have a group of players that never know when to quit. It’s a group you can rely on; it doesn’t matter who comes in,” said Ellis.

Unity is the key

Although it was far from being a ruthless win, the outcome suggests that Banyana Banyana are now fully focused on defending their title.

Of course, improvements need to be made, particularly in defence. Banyana played a high line that the Black Queens sometimes breached, only to be wasteful or for Dlamini to deny them. Against better opposition, such opportunities will be exploited.

Banyana Banyana co-captain Refiloe Jane said the team members would support each other as they target the tough task of winning successive Wafcons. Only 11-time champions Nigeria have managed this feat in the three-decade history of the tournament.

“The most important thing in our team is unity, to go out and do it for one another. We always encourage that before games: ‘Don’t forget your sister, whatever you do, do it for the next person.’  That was also the secret of winning the previous edition. It’s the unity that we have and the will to fight for one another,” said Jane.

Banyana Banyana play Tanzania on Friday, 11 July. Success in that match will see South Africa qualify for the knockout round. DM