Banyana Eye Knockout Spot as They Face Tanzania in Crucial Wafcon Clash

Defending champions Banyana Banyana will be chasing back-to-back wins when they take on Tanzania in their second Group C match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco on Friday.

Banyana Banyana opened their title defence with a 2-0 victory over Ghana, but the performance left room for improvement. Ghana hit the woodwork twice, and South Africa were forced to work hard to keep a clean sheet at the Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda.

Coach Desiree Ellis will be aiming for a more dominant showing this time, knowing that a second win would secure a place in the knockout stages.

Tanzania, on the other hand, are fighting to stay in the tournament after a narrow loss to Mali. They’ve been handed a boost with the return of captain Opah Clement, who missed the opening match due to suspension. However, the team is still without key forwards Clara Luvanga and Aisha Masaka, both ruled out before the tournament began.

Despite the challenges, Tanzania’s coach Bakari Shime praised his youthful side for showing courage and control, especially in the second half against Mali.In the group’s other fixture on Friday, Ghana and Mali will battle it out at Stade Municipal de Berkane in a must-win encounter for the Black Queens. Ghana’s coach Lars Bjorkegren remains confident his side has the strength and skill to turn things around.Victory for Banyana would not only guarantee progression but send a strong message as they aim to defend their crown.

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Duduzile Pila

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