Banyana Banyana need to 'dig deep' against physical Ivory Coast

Banyana Banyana defender Karabo Dhlamini speaks on the pressure facing South Africa ahead of their crucial WAFCON fixture against Ivory Coast in Casablanca. Photo: Backpagepix

Facing an early exit after a shock opening defeat, Banyana Banyana defender Karabo Dhlamini is refusing to panic. Ahead of Friday's must-win WAFCON fixture against Ivory Coast, Dhlamini insists that executing their gameplan down to the last detail is the only way to tame the physical West Africans.

Banyana lost their opening Group B match 2-1 to Tanzania, suffering a massive blow in confidence at the start of the tournament, while also putting their run to the Fifa Women's World Cup 2027 in jeopardy. They will need to dig deep and find the courage to get pass Les Éléphantes, who sit on top of the group after smashing Burkina Faso in their opening match.

Banyana will be acutely aware that not only is progression to the next round in danger but also qualification to next year's World Cup. Only the Top 4 nations in WAFCON will qualify for the showpiece event.

Dhlamini said the pressure is now on the South African team to deliver.