Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Banyana Banyana under pressure as Ivory Coast awaits in crucial WAFCON battle 

4 months By Chumasande Matiwane

Banyana Banyana return to action in a crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B clash against Ivory Coast on Friday, knowing that anything less than victory could leave their chances hanging by a thread.  

Also see: Banyana Banyana shift their mindset as 2027 World Cup dream takes centre stage

Desiree Ellis’ side suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening group match, a result that piled pressure on the team ahead of their second fixture. 

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Banyana were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses that ultimately proved costly. 

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, head into the encounter brimming with confidence after opening their campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso. 

The West Africans sit near the top of Group B and know another win would all but secure their place in the knockout stages. 

Also see: Banyana Banyana’s campaign begins with a loss 

What to expect

Against an Ivory Coast side that showed their attacking threat by scoring four goals in their opening match, Banyana Banyana cannot afford to waste clear chances. 

The movement and link-up play between Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia and the midfield will need to improve, with Banyana requiring more consistency in creating high-quality opportunities rather than relying on moments of individual brilliance. 

Head coach Ellis will be hoping her side can rediscover the clinical finishing and composure that carried them to continental glory in 2022. 

Defensively, South Africa will also need to be more disciplined when losing possession. 

Banyana are expected to dominate possession, but they will need to be far more ruthless in front of goal while remaining alert to Ivory Coast’s dangerous counter-attacking threat. 

Also see: Banyana Banyana start COSAFA Cup with confident win over Malawi

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