South Africa stands to make history when they line up for their final group stage match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Italy in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday morning.
Banyana Banyana could get their first win in a World Cup, they could also become the very first South African team to qualify for the knock-out stages of the FIFA World Cup. South Africa need to beat Italy to progress.
Wednesday’s Group G decider between South Africa and Italy is a straight shoot out to see who joins Sweden as the two teams to make it out of the group. Banyana Banyana’s biggest challenge is to put in a full 90 minute performance. Against both Sweden and Argentina, the team went ahead but let the lead slip.
Hildah Magaia, Banyana’s superstar striker, is remaining calm and composed ahead of the crucial showdown.
“The way we are united as a team, I think that is what is going to work and that’s what is really pushing us, we also think about the upcoming game. We also believe that we can do whatever we want to do on that day because as a team we can achieve whatever we want,” says Magaia
“If we stick on our tactics we can really win the game. We know it is not going to be an easy game but if we really do what the coaches demand from us and also taking all the information that we have been getting each and everyday I think we can win the game,” she adds.
Matchday minus
#LiveTheImpossible pic.twitter.com/Hy0TsDoKBk
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 31, 2023
While Italy beat Argentina, which Banyana could not accomplish, the Italians also suffered a big defeat to Sweden, which Banyana did not endure.
A fully fit squad is just waiting for Refiloe Jane to get all clear, which team doctor Dr Nthabiseng Maesela believes is possible.
“No other injuries despite Refiloe’s that we all saw. The team is in good spirits, fit and also training. We are looking forward to the final game,” says Maesela
The progression and future of Banyana Banyana in international football hinges on this match against Italy, win and the team continues its upward trajectory, lose and the team has to rework its future objectives.
Next Match Details
South Africa Italy
Wednesday, 02 August 2023
Wellington Regional Stadium
19:00pm (09:00am RSA)
Live on @Official_SABC1 and @SABC_Sport channel
Get behind team Banyana Banyana in our final Group match#BeyondGreatness #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/8n3LKOw2rD
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) July 30, 2023
The post Potential historic World Cup progression beckons for Banyana Banyana appeared first on SABC News .
