Banyana Banyana will have one foot in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) quarterfinals if they beat Tanzania in Morocco on Friday night (9pm).
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini believes communication and unity are what will pull them through to the finals of the competition.
SA, who are the tournament defending champions after winning the title in 2022, started their defence on a high with a 2-0 win against Ghana on Monday.
Coach Desiree Ellis’s troops head Group C with three points and a superior goal difference to Mali, who beat Tanzania 1-0 in their opener.
A win against Twiga Stars would put them on six points.
“As defending champions, there will be so much pressure; we take it one game at a time,” Dlamini said.
“We don’t focus on the pressure a lot. We focus on making sure that we perform to the best of our abilities on the day.
“Because when we do well and when we score goals, you make sure that you don’t concede, then you have a high chance of winning.
“So, that is what we focus on, but as a team we told ourselves that we have to win each game and make sure that we qualify for the next stages and get to the final.
“We want to win the trophy.
“The pressure is there, but we have to believe in each other, given what we are capable of as South Africans.
“We need to convert our chances and make sure that we do what we have been doing well, which is defending.
“Making sure that we stay concentrated and fight for each other on the field of play.
“Nothing beats communication and unity. So with that said, I think if we continue doing that, it’s possible for us to win the trophy.
“We have to be there for each other till the last minute, we have to fight for each other on and off the pitch.
“Also, I would encourage South Africans to be more positive and support us, and to those who have been supporting us, thank you so much.”
Banyana wrap up their Group C campaign against Mali, also at Stade d’Honneur, on Monday (also 9pm SA time).
SA will play their quarterfinal in Oujda if they finish on top of their group.
The Herald
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