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‘Banyana still in it despite poor start’

───   15:12 Fri, 17 Oct 2014

‘Banyana still in it despite poor start’ | News Article
Bloemfontein - Banyana Banyana are preparing for what promises to be an intriguing must-win last encounter of the group stages of the African Women’s Championship (AWC) against Algeria on Saturday afternoon, with kick off at 17:00.
 
The national women’s team is yet to taste a victory, having had a disappointing start to their AWC campaign currently taking place in Namibia.
 
They lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the opening match last week and went to share the spoils with Ghana (1-1) in the second group match on Wednesday. This means that they would have to beat Algeria if they were to stand a chance to qualify for the knockout stages, and hopefully make it further in the competition.
 
Banyana have found themselves in a similar situation before, when they lost their opening match at the 2012 African Women’s Championships, but went on to win all their other matches and reached the finals.
 
The former Banyana defender, Gabisile Hlumbane admitted to have been disappointed with the team’s start, but is hopeful they will turn things around.
 
“All isn’t lost as yet. They still have a chance to qualify for the play-offs, but will have to ensure that they win this last match. I haven’t lost faith in the team, and I believed they’re still upbeat,” she told OFM Sport.
 
China, as she is affectionately known, added that the performance of the team, especially against the Black Queens, let them down, especially in the second half. She is confident that the team will rise to the occasion and give their all.
 
Hlumbane has also encouraged the team to be more composed and go for a convincing victory against the unpredictable Algerians, who suffered a 2-0 loss to Cameroon in their last match.
 
The Indomitable Lionesses, Cameroon, top the group B with six points while Algeria occupy the second spot with three points. Banyana and the Black Queens of Ghana, who occupy the last two spots respectively, have a point apiece.
 
Elsewhere, Nigeria are at the summit of group A with six points, followed by Cote d'Ivoire and Namibia on three points apiece. Zambia are yet to pick up a point.
 
The AWC competition is also used as a qualifying platform for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup set to take place in Canada next year. The top three teams in the AWC will automatically qualify for the World Cup.
 
OFM News / Lee Khotlele

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