Banyana target strong finish in Group C

Banyana Banyana will target top spot in Group C at the 2025 Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations this coming week as Desiree Ellis and her charges prepare to face Mali at the Honneur Stadium on Monday night.

Kick-off is at 9pm (GMT, +2)

CURRENT FORM

South Africa and Mali have both accumulated four points after two matches played in Group C and are in pole position to advance to the knockout phase of the tournament.

As for the rest, both Tanzania and Ghana picked up one point in their first two fixtures and will do battle at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Monday night.

While Banyana were left frustrated by a 1-1 draw with Tanzania last time out, Mali and Ghana were also hoping for a better result following their 1-1 stalemate on Friday.

WHAT WAS SAID

Reflecting on the game against Tanzania, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis expressed that her side showcased the needed determination to earn a crucial point en route to qualifying for the next round.

“I thought the comeback was good, we could have won it as we had a couple of chances, but that’s how the game goes,” Ellis said.

“This team has shown they have the grit; they have the courage and the resilience to fight back and get the result that we deserve.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

South Africa: Andile Dlamini – With Ellis showcasing her hand at rotating the goalkeeping position, Dlamini could well return to the starting XI against Mali. Also, Dlamini’s clean sheet against Ghana on matchday one will no doubt hold weight in Ellis’ goalkeeping decision on Monday.

Mali: Aissata Traore – Traore has been a standout performer for Mali at the Wafcon and will be full of confidence heading into the game against Banyana. Traore saved her nation’s blushes against Ghana in matchday two, as she scored the equalising goal to earn the Female Eagles a crucial point at Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Games: 4

South Africa wins: 2

Mali wins: 2

Draws: 0