Banyana Banyana are now two games away from qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, after they beat Tanzania 1-0 at the Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga.
The solitary goal, which was scored by Thembi Kgatlana, brought the aggregate score 4-0, after Banyana beat Tanzania 3-0 away last week in Dar es Salaam last week Friday in the first leg of the encounter.
The match was not easy as the team struggled, as it was also missing some of the key players either through injury or were rested for the match.
The tie was however broken in the 57th minute, when Kgatlana capitalised on free kick by Kholosa Biyana, to put the ball behind the net.
The visitors also created chances and tested Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart several times but failed to put the ball behind the goalkeeper.
“I think after having won the first leg 3-0 we knew it was mostly in the bag, we just needed not to be complacent back home.
We made a couple of changes for freshness as well, to make sure because players are only 3-4 weeks into their pre-season and we also want to send them back to their clubs in good shape,” said an elated coach, Desiree Ellis.
The coach added that the team was also helped by the fitness of overseas players whose domestic leagues are underway, and a preparation week the team had before the first leg.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Seoposenwe, who earned a 100 international cap for Banyana Banyana to become the 10th player to achieve the feat, said there’s still room for improvement.
“The coach gave a lot of young players an opportunity, she’s trying to build the team and get more depth in the team, and that also a little bit kind of messed with our flow a bit.
“We controlled the game, it was a little scrappy here and there, but we always had control of the game.
“A great set piece goal, we haven’t had a one like that for a while. Going forward we need to work a lot, there’s still a lot to work on,” explained Seoposenwe.
The team will now face one of their arch-rival, Nigeria’s Super Falcons in a two-legged match to qualify for Paris.
Ellis said it will not be an easy match but has confidence in the team.
“We know the Nigeria game is not going to be easy, but we’ve shown that we can play with the best, having our best players back will also help a lot. When it comes to those tough matches you need players with experience as well and you need to get the mix right with the youth and experience.
“So hopefully we can get that right and get that positive result first away from home again and bring it home and get the good result,” noted the coach.
Ellis comments were echoed by Seoposenwe, who said that the team’s goal is to qualify for Paris.
We’re going to face Nigeria which is a super tough opponent.
“We’ve seen them so many times over the past couple of years, we had great results, it’s not going to be easy.
“We’re all gunning for the spot to go to the Olympics, we haven’t been there I think for the past one, I think. That’s our goal,” said the player.
The matches will be played between 1-9 April and the winner will be one of the two African nations to qualify for the Olympics.
