Bambanani Mbane (front), seen here during Banyana practice in Denmark this week, may be one of the key figures in the team tonight. Photo: BackpagePix
African champions Banyana Banyana will have to conjure up something special if they hope to impress against Denmark in Aalborg this evening (6pm SA time kick-off).
After defeating hosts Morocco to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022 and then reaching the round of 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Banyana’s form took a dip, and they failed to qualify for the women’s tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Since then, the process of rebuilding started, and in June, the South Africans played lowly Senegal (No 83 world-ranked) in two friendlies in Dakar and came away with a win and a draw.
Denmark, with their lofty 12th world ranking, should prove too strong for Banyana (No 50), who will be handicapped by the absence of four players who were unable to obtain visas.
Nevertheless, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis will look for improved performances all-round against the two-time World Cup quarter-finalists.
MD-1 training session at Aalborgh Stadium
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 24, 2024
📆25 October 2024
🏟Aalborgh Stadium
⚽️Denmark 🇩🇰vs South Africa 🇿🇦
📺 @SABC_Sport
🕐 18h00#LiveTheImpossible @SasolinSport @SasolSA pic.twitter.com/q01SRqyLVV
“It started a bit rusty at training yesterday, but as the session went on, things improved – and that made me excited,” said Ellis.
“The enthusiasm was there, and we were able to work on a few things. We haven’t played in a couple of months, and it was just pleasing have them to work together. I thought it went really well.”
Since the team last worked out as a group in June, Ellis was surprised about how slick the training session went.
“I was really impressed because, after a long while away from the group, it’s not what you expect. I think the players are really committed to doing well on this tour,” said Ellis.
“We all know that we’re preparing for Wafcon, and I think everybody needs to raise their hand.”
Our match venue for tomorrow tomorrow night
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 24, 2024
🏟Aalborgh Stadium
⚽️Denmark 🇩🇰vs South Africa 🇿🇦
📺 @SABC_Sport
🕐 18h00#LiveTheImpossible @SasolinSport @SasolSA pic.twitter.com/EnYKQzzTiv
Since June, Denmark have been in fine scoring form. They scored seven goals in three Euro 2025 qualifying matches against Spain (lost 3-2), Belgium (won 3-0) and Czech Republic (won 2-0).
These stats suggest goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and her supporting defence will be in for a torrid time.
“We have always been a team that has been defensively sound. We want to go back to being that team that is well-organised,” said Ellis.
“We know we’re going to create opportunities, and we need to start landing more shots on target.
“If you have more shots on target, you have more opportunities to score. It’s down to our performance to create those opportunities.
“I think our performance will bring a good result, because sometimes we can play badly and still win.
The music 🎶 🎵 keeping us warm in a 🥶❄️ Aalborgh, Denmark because we #LiveTheImpossible 🤗🇿🇦🌏❤️⚽️@SasolinSport @SasolSA pic.twitter.com/hJLMPwleWP
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 24, 2024
“We have to look at improved performances all the time. We are preparing for something bigger (than an international friendly), so the big thing will be performance. We need an all-round performance to allow ourselves to play according to the game-plan.
“Once we execute the game-plan, everything works itself out from that point onwards.
“Four of our international players couldn’t get the visas to travel to Denmark, but I believe we have quality in the camp to help us meet our objectives against Denmark.”
On Tuesday, Banyana Banyana will face World Cup finalists England at the Coventry Building Society Arena (9.45pm SA time).
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