THEY WERE not given a chance by doomsayers but Banyana Banyana make history, again, for booking a place in the WAFCON finals 2022.
They beat ‘Copper Queens’ of Zambia in Monday’s semi-final 1-0 win after a penalty.
With the game heading for extra-time after six minutes of added time, Banyana were awarded a penalty for a foul on a player after long consultation with VAR.
The illustrious Linda Motlhalo, converted the spot kick to send the South Africans to their fifth WAFCON final appearance. Yes, it was a not a good show of performance but a win is a win, or kanjani?
They face host Morocco, who beat Nigeria 5-4 on penalties on Monday evening.
It is now back-to-back final appearance for Banyana Banyana, who lost 4-3 to the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the 2018 edition.
The team were not given enough credit ahead of the tourney, but the South African’s have proved you ‘don’t write off a living person’, period.
Injuries and Covid-19 added more woes to coach Desiree Ellis sides, but they had to soldier on, as the technical team had to dig deep in preparing the team psychologically and physically.
All the semi-finalists have automatically qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women‘s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Sasol sponsored Banyana Banyana’s game was also attended by CAF boss Dr Patrice Motsepe, a South African, who should be smiling all the way to Cairo.
Should they win the finals, they girls have been promised a whooping R9m from SAFA.
Image (Banyana Banyana gain a slender win to make it to the finals).
