Banyana upbeat about Awcon top three place

Published Nov 8, 2018

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JOHANNESBURG – In order to avoid the same fate the group of 2014 and 2016 suffered in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon), Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is confident the flexibility of having different formations in her squad will propel them to finish among the top three.

In the last two continental showpieces Banyana finished fourth which destroyed their World Cup qualification aspirations.

“We have scenarios where we can play in different formations, and that is the beauty of this group,” Ellis said after announcing her squad yesterday. “We can change to four different formations, and virtually change the game as well. 

It’s that versatility and different understandings of the positional roles that will be key with regards to us getting where we want to be.”

At the 12th Awcon in Ghana from November 17 - December 1, Banyana will be in group B alongside defending champions Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya. Banyana, who are fourth in the continental rankings, will open their account against the defending champions on November 18 at Cape Coast Stadium.

WATCH: @Janinevanwyk5 on importance of doing well in Ghana. https://t.co/rz4oOBORwj @SasolSA @nikefootballza @flysaa @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/VLsSgF8ijm

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) November 7, 2018

The Banyana Banyana 21-woman Afcon Squad is:

Goalkeepers: Roxanne Barker, Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini

Defenders: Janine van Wyk(c), Noko Matlou, Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Koketso Tlailane, Tiisetso Makhubela and Bambanani Mbane

Midfielders: Refiloe Jane, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Mamello Makhabane, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Linda Motlhalo, Kgaelebane Mohlakoane and Leandra Smeda.

Strikers: Jermaine Seoposenwe, Melinda Kgadiete, Thembi Kgatlana and Amanda Mthanda

Four players on standby: Thato Letsoso, Kholosa Biyana, Hilda Magaia, Rachel Sebati

@Mihlalibaleka

The Star

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