24 November 2018 – Head coach of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana, Desiree Ellis, has made three changes to the squad that will face Zambia in the final group stages match this afternoon at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.
Ellis has opted for the team that started against Nigeria in the first match – with only forward Jermaine Seoposenwe missing from the line-up.
Vice captain Refiloe Jane, Busisiwe Ndimeni and Mamello Makhabane, who all started on the bench against Equatorial Guinea in the previous fixture, get the nod ahead of Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Nompumelelo Nyandeni as well as Seoposenwe.
Kaylin Swart retains her place in goals.
The defence is also unchanged, with Lebohang Ramalepe and Nothando Vilakazi at right back and left back respectively, while captain Janine van Wyk and Bambanani Mbane continue their partnership in central defence.
Leandra Smeda and Makhabane will rekindle their combination in the middle of the park, ably assisted by Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Ndimeni.
Kgatlana, who is the top goal scorer thus far in the tournament with three goals from two matches, will play upfront.
Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea will lock horns in the other Group B match, which will be played simultaneously – taking place in Cape Coast.
Kickoff for both matches is 16h00 local time (18h00 SA time).
South Africa tops the table with six points, followed by Nigeria and Zambia who are tied on three points each – but the Super Falcons have a better goal difference.
Only two teams will qualify for the semi-finals where they meet Mali and Cameroon, who have already qualified from Group A.
Banyana Banyana XI vs Zambia:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Janine Van Wyk (captain), Bambanani Mbane, Mamello Makhabane, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Refiloe Jane, Leandra Smeda, Busisiwe Ndimeni
Subs:
Roxanne Barker (GK), Andile Dlamini (GK), Noko Matlou, Koketso Tlailane, Amanda Mthandi, Melinda Kgadiete, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Nompumelelo Nyandeni
Coach: Desiree Ellis