Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis expects a hostile reaction in Abuja when South Africa and Nigeria meet in the final round of women's soccer qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Punch Sports Special Issue I will report it.
The Super Falcons are scheduled to play Banyana in two consecutive games, with the first match scheduled for April 5 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and the rematch scheduled for April 9 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. There is.
Following recent results between the two countries, the Ellis women's team have emerged as favorites to win one of the two tickets from Africa.
Banyana have won four of their last five meetings with the Falcons, with their last meeting ending 2-1 in favor of the South Africans at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ahead of the much-anticipated match between the two rivals, the Ellis have brought back four experienced players, with their players returning as their experience will be needed in what is expected to be a close and hostile match in Nigeria. He said he was happy about it.
“I'm happy to have these players back. They are our more experienced players and their experience will help in this situation, so that warms my heart and encourages me. ” she said.
“It can be hostile and we know how passionate the Nigerian fans are and we need that experience to get over this hurdle.
“They haven't been to the Olympics since 2008 and the team has changed a bit since the last time we played them (WAFCON 2022), so it's going to be a tough match.
“They are still one of the best teams on the continent. They are back-to-back winners (Nigeria has won 11 out of 14 WAFCON titles) and have been winning consistently for the past few years. are in the same position, but we have to be consistent.”
The winner will join Brazil, Japan and world champion Spain in Group C of the eight-team tournament to be held in Paris in July and August.
Since its inception in Atlanta in 1996, only five African countries (Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia) have participated in the Women's Olympic Soccer Tournament.
