Sports
Banyana Banyana Eye Top Spot in WAFCON Group to Stay in Oudja
Banyana Banyana Fight for Comfort and Confidence as WAFCON Quarters Loom
With a place in the quarterfinals already secured, Banyana Banyana are not just chasing a win tonight — they’re fighting to stay home.
South Africa’s national women’s football team, the defending champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), are through to the next round in Morocco. But the stakes remain high in their final Group C clash against Mali this evening.
Not Just About Winning , It’s About Staying Put
Banyana are currently tied with Mali on four points each, following a win and a draw apiece. And while both teams are assured of progression, the winner of tonight’s match will top the group — and that means everything.
Finishing first would allow Banyana to remain in Oudja, their base throughout the group stage. A second-place finish would likely mean packing up and relocating ahead of the next match — something head coach Desiree Ellis is determined to avoid.
“We don’t wanna move,” Ellis told media ahead of the clash. “Finishing top gives us the advantage of playing our quarterfinal in the same venue. That kind of stability makes a huge difference, especially in a tournament setting.”
Eyeing Senegal, Avoiding Algeria
A top-of-the-group finish would also spare Banyana a potentially tougher quarterfinal opponent. Algeria, who placed second in Group B, loom as the next challenge for the Group C runner-up. If South Africa finish first, they’ll instead face Senegal — one of the best-performing third-place teams.
That calculation adds extra weight to tonight’s match. But so does the desire to restore momentum after a frustrating draw against Tanzania last Friday.
“We weren’t happy with that draw,” Ellis admitted. “We want to go into the playoffs on the back of a win. When you win, the confidence and momentum carry you forward. That’s what we need.”
Familiar Foes, Fresh Goals
The last time South Africa met Mali on the WAFCON stage was back in 2018 — a semi-final that Banyana won 2-0. Since then, both teams have evolved, and tonight’s clash at 9pm will be a different kind of test.
For Ellis, it’s not just about tactics. It’s about spirit and focus. “We want to win all our games. Every result builds our rhythm,” she said.
Fans Ready for Monday Night Football
The match will be broadcast live on SABC 3, and South Africans are expected to tune in in big numbers. Social media has already been abuzz with calls to rally behind the team, using hashtags like #BanyanaPower and #WAFCON2025.
As Banyana step onto the pitch tonight, they’re not just playing to top the table. They’re playing to protect their turf, maintain their confidence, and keep their title defence as smooth as possible.
Where to support Banyana:
1.Sabc Channels
2. Sabc Plus
4. DSTV Channel 202
Source:Sabc News
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