South African women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, have reached the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals where they will play against host Morocco on Saturday.
Banyana defeated stubborn Zambia’s Copper Queens 1-0 on Monday night to book their ticket to the finals.
South African coach Desiree Ellis hailed the performance of her defensive unit following the victory over the Zambians in the semi-finals.
“We were always in control at the back — and the defence was magnificent. I said that if we keep a clean sheet, we will create opportunities,” Ellis said.
Despite being pre-match underdogs, the Zambians gave the South Africans a hard time, and she paid tribute to the COSAFA neighbours for their spirited performance.
“Zambia showed true quality but we wanted it more in the end. They tried to play the long ball behind us — and we created chances. The victory is important, for we are now in the finals,” Ellis said.
The consolation prize is that both Banyana Banyana and the Copper Queens have booked tickets to the Women’s FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand next year.
Morocco defeated Nigeria on penalties in the other semi-final match after the former WAFCON champions also lost two players to red cards during the tie.
The losers complained of poor officiation for their misfortune in the Morocco qualifiers.
NM/jn/APA