BANYANA Banyana stalwarts Lebohang Ramalepe and Thembi Kgatlana will be looking to inspire the South African side in the World Cup play-off against Nigeria.
Banyana Banyana’s ambitions to secure passage to the 2027 World Cup remain intact, which is why they are steadfast in giving their all in the play-offs, starting with their continental clash on Thursday.
Ranked second on the continent, Banyana arrived at the ongoing Wafcon in Morocco as one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, a sluggish start to the group stage raised questions about their ambitions.
After sneaking into the knockout stage, those fears became reality. Banyana failed to qualify directly for the World Cup after crashing out in the quarter-finals, following their 2-1 loss to the host nation, the Atlas Lionesses.
Amidst the disappointment and notable instability within the team, Banyana remain on course to secure a ticket to the global showpiece in Brazil. It will not be easy; they must navigate an unfamiliar continental play-off on Thursday against arc-rivals Nigeria at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium here in Casablanca, before seeking further victories in the inter-continental play-offs later this year and in February.
