MASERU, Lesotho – Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named her starting line-up for the Caf Women's Nations Cup match against Lesotho on Wednesday at the Setsoto Stadium (start 3pm).
In the absence of some senior overseas-based players, Ellis still named a formidable side for this first leg encounter in which the overall winner will qualify for the Nations Cup finals in Ghana in November this year. The second leg will be played at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Banyana Banyana team:
1 Roxanne Barker, 2 Lebohang Ramalepe, 3 Nothando Vilakazi, 4 Noko Matlou, 5 Regina Mogolola, 8 Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, 12 Jermaine Seoposenwe, 13 Bambanani Mbane, 15 Refiloe Jane (capt), 17 Leandra Smeda, 18 Nompumelelo Nyandeni. Substitutes: 6 Mamello Makhabane, 7 Gabriela Salgado, 9 Chantelle Esau, 10 Rachel Sebati, 11 Hildah Magaia, 14 Zanele Nhlapho, 16 Andile Dlamini.
Kenya
will also be in action on Wednesday, after reaching the second round of the qualification tournament at the expense of Uganda thansk to a 1-0 win a goalless draw. David Ouma, Kenya's coach, says his team are "really motivated" ahead of the clash against Equatorial Guinea at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
“We are really motivated ahead of this game because we know what it means to play on the biggest stage. We have prepared well having been in camp for the last one month and we are confident we can win this game and get our ticket to the Cup of Nations,” said Ouma, who guided the team to their first-ever continental appearance in Cameroon two years ago.
Banyana Banyana have arrived at the Setsoto Stadium ahead of their crucial #AWCON2018Q against Lesotho. pic.twitter.com/7T2U7vmvym
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) June 6, 2018
He admits it will not be an easy tie against the Nzalang Nacional who have won the AWCON twice in 2008 and 2012, finishing second in between in 2010 and qualified for the 2011 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
“They are a very experienced team because if you look at all their achievements, that does not come easy. We know we are going to face a very tough side but mentally, I think my girls have really grown. They will not be under pressure. The first thing is to make sure we win at home,” Ouma added.