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MATCH PREVIEW: BANYANA BANYANA FACE CRUCIAL TEST AGAINST CÔTE D’IVOIRE

Banyana Bayana will look to respond positively when they take on Côte d’lvoire in their second Group B match at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, 31 July. South Africa head into the encounter under pressure after suffering 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their tournament opener, while Côte d’lvoire arrive full of confidence following a convincing 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso.

South Africa

With three points separating the two sides, the match presents a crucial opportunity for Banyana Banyana to get their campaign back on track and keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.


Young midfielder Isabella Ludwig believes the focus must now shift to correcting the mistakes made in the opening match. “Obviously, it wasn’t the result we wanted. Going into the next game, we need to improve on the mistakes we made, correct those areas and hopefully get the result we need. There is definitely pressure after the opening result, but it’s important that we stick together as a team. We’ll put in the work at training and make sure we’re ready to get the result tomorrow”.


Ludwig also spoke about the opportunity to represent South Africa. “It feels great, and I’m really grateful to be here. I’m hoping for more opportunities and more minutes on the pitch but I’m happy to be part of the team”.


Mamelodi Sundowns and Banyana defender Karabo Dhlamini admitted that the opening defeat was disappointing but stressed that the team’s attention is firmly on the next challenge. “It was a tough pill to swallow because we didn’t start the tournament the way we wanted. Our focus now has to be on the next game. We can’t dwell on the previous result”. 


Dhlamini also acknowledged the threat posed by the in-form Ivory Coast side. “There’s pressure because Côte d’lvoire won their opening match, so they have momentum. We know we can’t drop points now. It won’t be an easy game, they’re physical, the have quick players and they’re a strong team. We need a solid game plan and must stay focused on how we approach the match”.


With The Lady Elephants sitting on top of Group B after scoring four goals in their opening fixture, Banyana Banyana will need an improved performance at both ends of the pitch. A victory would revive South Africa’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, while another defeat would leave their qualification chances hanging in the balance.


Writer: Galaletsang Moseje

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