CAPE TOWN – Banyana Banyana are set for a true test as the reigning African champions take on Senegal in the quarterfinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 on Saturday.
After topping Group C on a high, South Africa now face another uphill battle as they prepare to defend their continental title.
With two wins and a draw under their belt so far in the campaign, Dr. Desiree Ellis’ side heads into the battle on a positive note.
Ellis acknowledges that Senegal won’t be an easy opponent, and they will approach the game with caution.
“You win, you go through, you lose, you go home. So we all know what’s at stake, because we’re also playing against an opponent that was in a very difficult group,” said Dr Ellis.
“They [Senegal] came out of that difficult group, so you’re not going to underestimate any team – I’ve said it before.
“Rankings don’t mean anything, because you can beat all of these teams here, and you maybe move up by two spots. But when you play, I mean, teams in Europe, they can go across in a bus and play each other, and then their rankings go up, because they are playing higher-end teams.
“So it’s not free on the teams on the African continent, though.”
Ellis believes that the standard of women’s football in Africa has risen, noting that there are no longer any small teams.
She acknowledges that every side in WAFCON is now competing for the gold.
“So the rankings mean nothing, because when you look at every FIFA window this past year and a half, each and every team was playing. You know, even outside FIFA windows, you saw teams going into camps,” said Ellis.
“So the football has improved on the continent for women’s football, and it’s good for women’s football, because you also see the players from the African continent going to the best clubs in the world, and not just sitting on the bench.
“They are regulars, they are top stars there. So everything has changed and that’s why you also see all the scouts out here for a reason, because everybody’s looking.
“I get many calls asking for African players, you know, because I know the quality that they bring. That’s how much the game has changed.
“And if you underestimate a team, before you know it, you’re chasing the game, and then you can’t get back into the game.”
The game between the two African giants will take place at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 SA time (20:00 local time in Morocco).
Image: @Banyana_Banyana/Twitter.
