Banyana Banyna went through to last 16 team which gonna be in the knock out stage
times it is not the case. When Banyana Banyana take on Italy in their final Women’s World Cup group game, they will be hoping they are on the correct side of this statement.
In their previous two matches in an open Group G, the team has certainly shown glimpses of quality that suggests they can topple the Italians. Worryingly though, they have also been extremely wasteful in front of goal, as well as suffering from costly lapses of concentration in defence.
In their World Cup opener against Sweden, the reigning African champions fought valiantly – before being undone by the Europeans in the dying embers of the game.
Then came the Argentina clash a few days after that demoralising last-minute loss to the Swedes. The second game presented the South Africans with the perfect opportunity to claim maximum points.
They failed to do this. Wasting a number of opportunities to claim their first maximum points in the quadrennial showpiece, in just their second World Cup appearance, following their debut in 2019.
The Argentinians eventually punished South Africa for their profligacy, clawing their way back from 2-0 down and levelling the match at two-all. In fact, Banyana were fortunate that the South Americans did not eventually make it 3-2 and steal all three points.
“We’re a team that can create. We’ve shown that. It’s about taking our chances, but also about being better organised. Especially in the critical moments. Whether in defence or whatever else, the whole team has got to play their part,” Ellis said during her pre-match press conference.
Do or die
With the clash against Italy effectively serving as a final for coach Desiree Ellis and her charges, there is no room for such mistakes anymore. A defeat or a draw will see Ellis and company pack their bags. As will a comprehensive Argentina victory over the Swedes if Banyana fail to claim their own such win over the Italians.
Banyana Banyana’s task will be made even more difficult by the fact that the Italians are still smarting from being bamboozled 5-0 by Sweden last time out. Not to mention that the Europeans are also fully aware that a loss will send them packing. Though a draw may serve them well.
