Banyana Banyana resume Wafcon qualifiers against DR Congo
WILL BE KEY: Refiloe Jane Banyana Banyana, the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, are set to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a crucial first-leg qualifier on Wednesday evening. Seen here: Banyana captain: Refiloe Jane. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
Just as the hysteria following Bafana Bafana’s qualification to the Fifa World Cup has begun to die down, Banyana Banyana will on Wednesday resume their quest to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
Banyana will take on hosts Democratic Republic of Congo in Kishasa in a 6pm (SA time) kick-off in their first leg clash.
Banyana, Wafcon champions in 2022, will hope to not only qualify for the main event but once again prove their status as one of the top teams on the continent.
Defending Wafcon champions Nigeria are the top-ranked team in Africa at 32nd in the world, while Banyana are second at 45th globally.
Banyana captain Refiloe Jane emphasises importance of Wafcon qualification amid DRC challenge
Banyana captain Refiloe Jane said ahead of the clash: “It is very important to qualify for the Wafcon, so the results are what is important for the team. With the changes that DRC have, it won’t be easy. So we’ll have to prepare very well and try to get a good result.”
Meanwhile, Banyana coach Thinasonke Mbuli said it would be a difficult challenge for Banyana.
“I think that DR Congo and Banyana Banyana are (in the same boat). We lost our last game at WAFCON to Ghana, but perhaps the advantage to DR Congo is that they were in a tough group with Morocco and Zambia.
“Those matches, even though DR Congo didn’t make it to the knockouts, might have helped them prepare well for these qualifiers.”
The second leg will take place in South Africa on October 28.