Banyana Banyana are following in the footsteps of the 2022 triumph

BANYANA Banyana are on course to emulate their previous success at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after starting the ongoing tournament strongly.

Banyana beat Ghana 2-0 at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, Monday as they climbed to the top of Group C.

The Desiree Ellis-coached team wrapped up the match in the first half, courtesy of Linda Motlhalo’s penalty and a close-range finish from Jermaine Seoposenwe.

Banyana breathed a heavy sigh of relief after the victory as they arrived at the tournament with the odds stacked against them defending their title.

The players had staged a stay-in upon their arrival in Casablanca, citing they were owed money by the South African Football Association (Safa) relating to preparation friendlies.

Upon returning to training, they were inadvertently impacted by the expiry of the contract between their main sponsor, Sasol, and Safa.

So, amid these challenges, there was little belief from the public and pundits that they could defend their title or even put up a strong fight.

Ellis, speaking during the pre-match press conference for the clash against the Black Queens, was adamant that she trusts her team’s qualities.

Her troops repaid the faith she showed in them by beating Ghana to send a clear statement about their intentions of conquering Africa yet again.

Banyana’s win also convinced Ellis that they were on the right path to defend their crown, having finished second and first in the last two tournaments after winning the opener.

“We said we wanted a great start (and we got it). It was proven in 2018 and 2022 that getting off to a great start in the tournament (takes you far),” Ellis explained.

“If you don’t, you’ll be on the backfoot every time, and you’ll look in the opposite direction and start taking out the calculators. 

“But if you get a good result, you actually have your fate in your own hands, and now we cannot only manage the group but also your players as well.

“This tournament is going to be draining, especially considering the weather conditions. So we need to keep our players as fresh as possible for every single game.”

Banyana had to be at their best to thrive in Oujda - they overcame the scorching heat and physicality of the Black Queens, who threw everything at them in the second half.

“I think if you go back to 2018 and 2022, we played Ghana and Nigeria, who are physical and in 2016, we played Cameroon who are physical as well,” Ellis recalled.

“We know what our strengths are - we are never going to be masculine. So, we need to move the ball around quicker. Our movements off the ball are also key.

“Once we stick to our strengths, we are not going to be chasing shadows because we know that we are going to be shoved around.”

Banyana’s thick skin and win over Ghana crowned off some international milestones for duo Noxolo Cesane and Ronnel Donnelly.

Cesane earned her 50th international cap for Banyana and won the penalty that Motlhalo put away, while University of Western Cape striker Donnelly made her international debut.

“Noxy came into this team at the Cosafa Cup in 2019, and she was a revelation there,” reacted Ellis to Cesane’s milestone.

“In 2022, in the first game against Nigeria, she had a fantastic game. Today, she showed her true qualities as well - so she’s well deserving of her 50th cap.

“Ronnel is still in her early twenties, and she just got her first cap in the national team. So to get that off your back (as a player) is a great start.”

Ellis gave her troops a day off Tuesday as she wants them to take their mind away from football and return with enough vigour for the clash against Tanzania on Friday.