Banyana Banyana book a spot at WAFCON to defend title
The defending champions, South Africa, have qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Banyana Banyana, beat Burkina Faso 2-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
Linda Motlhalo opened the scoring with a 56th minute penalty, while Nicole Michael sealed the deal with an 86th minute goal for a 3-2 aggregate win.
Banyana Banyana forward Jermaine Seoposenwe was back in the starting eleven after missing the first leg a few days ago. This was also a farewell match for former captain Janine Van Wyk who was officially retiring from football. Van Wyk was playing her 185th game after a career that lasted for eighteen long years. The 36-year old Van Wyk has now became the footballer with the most national team appearences on the continent, surpassing the long-term record held by Ahmed Hassan of Egypt.
The coach, Desiree Ellis, said it was very important for Van Wyk to become Africa’s most capped player, and it is something that will inspire future generations.
“I think Janine has given her all, she wears her heart on her sleeve, she’s been very committed and has worked hard.
“It is well deserved – not just for Janine but for women’s football in South Africa and on the continent.
“It’s very important for the South African Football Association too, to not only have the highest capped African player but also the highest scorer on the African continent,” said Ellis.
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