Banyana Banyana target statement win against Mali to seal WAFCON quarter-final spot

As the continent’s premier women's football tournament, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) intensifies, defending champions Banyana Banyana are preparing to defend their title with a commanding performance against Mali in their final WAFCON Group C match on Monday.

Thanks to their positions on the group standings and their haul of four points each after two rounds of matches, both nations are practically guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals. The focus will now shift to achieving a dominant performance that reaffirms their status as a powerhouse in women’s football.

The match, to be played at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, carries significant weight for Banyana Banyana, who are looking to build momentum as the knockout stages approach. A convincing win would not only boost team morale but also send a strong message to their upcoming opponents in the tournament.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Tanzania on Friday, the pressure is on Banyana Banyana to step up their game. The team’s form has come under scrutiny, despite their impressive undefeated streak of 13 matches in WAFCON, which includes 10 wins and three draws.

Friday’s stalemate highlighted areas for improvement and raised concerns, particularly regarding the conversion of chances into goals.

Coach Desiree Ellis has emphasised the need for her team to approach the match with a resolute mindset, urging them to leave nothing to chance.

“We want to secure our position in the quarter-finals and will be taking this match very seriously,” Ellis stated, reinforcing the importance of coming away with a victory against their West African rivals.

Monday’s clash will be the second time the two nations meet in WAFCON history. Their previous encounter, in the 2018 semi-finals, saw Banyana Banyana emerge 2-0 winners — a result still fondly remembered by fans.

Yet both teams come into this match with similar defensive records, each having conceded just one goal so far in the tournament — a statistic that underlines the tactical discipline both sides have exhibited.

South Africa are currently ranked 54th in the Fifa Women’s world rankings, whereas Mali sit 78th. While these rankings offer a glimpse into the competitive landscape, the unpredictability of football means the outcome may hinge more on the teams’ performances on the day than on historical standings.

With qualification for the quarter-finals within their grasp, Banyana Banyana must manage the pressure that comes with being defending champions. Their past success has set a high benchmark, and with fan expectations remaining sky-high, the team will be eager to secure a top-eight finish and continue their campaign for back-to-back WAFCON titles.