AWCON
Super Falcons’ main opponent, Banyana, names final WAFCON squad
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has announced the final 23-woman squad to represent South Africa at the Africa Women’s Cup of nations in Morocco from 2-23 July.
The coach also announced three players who will be on the standby list.
The side will start their quest for tournament glory with the match against Super Falcons of Nigeria in what many see as toughest match in Group B and speaking at the press conference yesterday afternoon, the coach was full of praise for the Hollywoodbets coaches for the work they have done in keeping the players fit. She further praised the players for the effort they displayed during the local preparation/selection camp.
The Banyana Banyana coach said selecting the final squad for the tournament was a difficult task for the technical team.
“I want to start off by giving a big thank to the coaches out there for the fantastic job that they have done since the leagues have started,” said Ellis.
“We had a good week and a half and with many of the overseas based players joining us, many have stepped up. We had a good mix of youth and experience for the past week and half.”
Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorship Manager, expressed her excitement about Banyana Banyana representing the country in the AWCON.
“I congratulate each player called up for this significant national duty. We have seen how these ladies have worked hard during their campaign to qualify for this important tournament, and each selected player deserves to be part of the squad.
“We are grateful for the team to have made it to this point. I implore them to go out there and play their hearts out because Sasol, and other legions of fans will be watching them closely and cheering them on from home. As a South African, I want them to bring that cup home and secure that place to be a part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.”
Banyana Banyana Final Squad:
GOALKEEPERS:
Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart, Regirl Ngobeni
DEFENDERS:
Karabo Dhlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Janine Van Wyk, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede, Noko Matlou
MIDFIELDERS:
Refiloe Jane, Nomvula Kgoale, Linda Motlhalo, Thalea Smidt, Kholosa Biyana, Amogelang Motau, Robyn Moodaly, Sibulele Holweni
FORWARDS:
Jermaine Seoposenwe, Melinda Kgadiete, Noxolo Cesane, Nthabiseng Majiya, Thembi Kgatlana, Hildah Magaia
Standby players:
Kebotseng Moletsane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Thubelihle Shamase
Democratic Republic of Congo side, TP Mazembe are officially the champions of the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024.
A highly tactical and hard fought 1-0 victory in the final played in El Jadida’s Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi against former champions and hosts, AS FAR saw the DR Congo side crowned the new champions of Africa for the first time – wiping away tears of their 2022 group stage exit.
With the crowd backing the hosts, Mazembe showed great resilience and courage in taking the match to the former champions who remain in search for what has been an elusive second title for them.
The deciding goal of the fourth edition of the tournament came courtesy of a converted spot kick by Marlene Kasaj in the opening 10 minutes, which Mazembe protected throughout the match to seal the historic victory.
Despite the early concession, AS FAR kept believing and surged forward in search of the leveller, but a resolute Mazembe defense kept the clean sheet throughout the opening half.
Coming back from the break, it was surprisingly Mazembe who looked more dangerous as they came out strong in an attempt to kill off the game.
The hosts eventually found their rhythm but again were met by a disciplined Mazembe defense, who kept the former champions at bay to secure Africa’s most sought-after women’s club football crown.
In addition to the coveted CAF Women’s Champions League trophy, TP Mazembe also take home $600 000 in prize money, while runners-up AS FAR take home $400 000.
-CAF
BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
The National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) Samuel Ikpea has tipped the Super Falcons of Nigeria to claim their 10th African Women’s Cup of Nations title in Morocco when they begin their campaign next year.
Ikpea’ remarks came after the Friday night draw that put Algeria, Tunisia and Botswana in the same group with the Super Falcons.
“Our girls are going to play in a group with two North African countries (Tunisia and Algeria). “It is going to be interesting, and I am optimistic that our girls will scale from our group”.
Nigeria will tackle two North African teams – Tunisia and Algeria – as well as Botswana, in Group B of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Morocco next summer.
The Falcons will surely relish another meeting with Algeria’s Green Ladies, whom they defeated 2-0 and 4-1 respectively in two friendly matches in Nigeria last month.
Botswana eliminated Gabon in the qualifying series and Tunisia were the quarter-finalists at the last edition also hosted by Morocco.
At the draw conducted on Friday evening at the Technical Centre of the Mohamed VI Football Complex in Sale, outside Rabat, host nation Morocco, earlier slotted into Group A, learnt they will have to cope with Zambia, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cup holders South Africa are in Group C and will square up to Ghana, Mali and Tanzania in the three-week, 12-nation final tournament taking place 5th – 26th July 2025.
Hosts Morocco finished as runners-up in the last edition in July 2022, with Zambia taking the bronze after a 1-0 defeat of Nigeria in the third-place match.
GROUP A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
GROUP C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
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