Banyana Banyana Out To Secure Bronze For Three Reasons At Wafcon

There’s not one, but three reasons why Banyana Banyana are eager to beat Ghana in their last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) clash at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Banyana will face the Black Queens in the third/fourth place play-offs on Friday night (9pm) after losing 2-1 to arch-rivals Nigeria in the semi-final on Tuesday night at the same venue.

Banyana Want To Do It For Gabi

It was a devastating loss for coach Desiree Ellis’ team as they relinquished the crown they won three years ago in Morocco.

However, not all is lost. Ellis and her troops have found at least three reasons why they must beat the Black Queens for the second time in the event.

Banyana are eager to win the game for Gabriela Salgado who broke her leg late in the game against the Super Falcons, resulting in being stretched off and later hospitalised.

Salgado sustained the injury just as Banyana were pushing for a late winner in either regulation time, extra time or penalties.

So, when that injury happened, it disrupted the players’ focus as they were overwhelmed with emotions, resulting in Nigeria snatching a late winner.

“When we huddled after the game, we said: If we didn’t have a reason (to compete), now we have a reason to play for Gabi,” Ellis said.

“We have to make sure that she goes home with a medal, that’s all what it’s about at this moment.”

Salgado underwent a successful operation, and she has been visited by her teammates and coaches, the Super Falcons and the Black Queens.

The Last Hurrah For Seoposenwe

The ongoing continental showpiece is also set to serve a swansong for Jermaine Seoposenwe who’ll be calling time on her international career after the event.

Ellis wants to make sure the attacker, who scored the winner in the 2-0 win over Ghana in the opening game, gets a proper send-off.

“We also want to make sure that Jermaine also ends off well. So, that’s how important it (the game) is for us,” Ellis explained.

After failing to defend their crown, Banyana’s campaign will all but be regarded as a failure, but Ellis believes there’ll be more to the clash against the Black Queens.

Banyana Could Bag Another Podium Finish

Having Banyana finished second and first in the last two events respectively, a third-place finish at this event will guarantee them another podium finish.

“There is definitely disappointment within our group after we couldn’t be able to get to the final, but there’s still something to play for,” Ellis explained.

“We said that we’ll try to do this for Gabriela. As she’ll be going home with an injury, we’ll try to make sure she gets something.

“It’s still important that we fight for that third place. It’s not just a play-off match - it still gets you a medal as well.

“So, it’s important how we lift ourselves up after this and make sure that we are ready for that match."

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