26-member Banyana Banyana squad for the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations set for this July in Morocco.
Coach Desree Ellis was live on SABC this Monday to announce her 26-member Banyana Banyana squad for the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations set for 2-23 July. The Moroccan AWCON 2022 will boast stiff competition and Coach Desiree will hope to do one better than 2018’s Runners Up finish to Nigeria.
It will be four years since the AWCON 2018 in Ghana after Covid-19. Banyana Banyana went undefeated until meeting Nigeria in the Finals, where they were undone 4-3 on penalties after an enthralling 0-0 draw. South African star Thembi Kgatlana picked up the Golden Boot award with five goals including the Player of the Tournament award.
This squad under Coach Ellis became the first South African squad to qualify for the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2019 in France. Banyana were drawn against Germany, Spain and China unfortunately finishing last with just one goal scored by Thembi in a 3-1 loss to Spain.
In a bid to qualify for the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup Banyana Banyana have been hard at work. Banyana defeated Mozambique 13-0 on aggregate in the first round of qualifying and went on to displace Algeria 3-1 ober two legs, finally qualifying for their 13th AWCON. The South African Women have been drawn in Group K alongside Nigeria, Burundi, and Botswana.
Banyana Banyana will face Nigeria on the 4th of July, Burundi on the 7th of July, and Botswana on the 10th.
26 players are registered for the tournament, but only 23 will travel to Morocco. The remaining three registered will make their way should any players be unfit to play.
26-women-squad for AWCON 2022:
Goalkeepers
Andile Dlamini
Kaylin Swart
Regirl Ngobeni
Defenders
Karabo Dhlamini
Leboghang Ramalee
Janine van Wyk
Bambanani Mbani
Noko Matlou
Bongeke Gamede
Midfielders
Refiloe Jane
Nomvula Gaulwe
Thaelia Smit
Kholosa Biyana
Amogelang Matou
Robyn Moodaly
Sibulele Holweni
Forwards
Linda Mutalo
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Melinda Kgadiete
Noxolo Cesane
Nthabiseng Majiya
Thembi Kgatlana
Hildah Magaia
On Standby
Tiisetso Makhubela
Thubelihle Shamase
Kebotseng Moletsane