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African champions Banyana Banyana now know their path to defending their title in next year’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The draw, held in Sale, Morocco, on Friday night, placed the Sasol-sponsored South African team in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
“It is not going to be easy. Past results mean nothing. Now that we know who our opponents are, we can start preparing and getting ready for the WAFCON as African champions,” said head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis.
Dr. Ellis, who led Banyana Banyana to their first-ever continental title in 2022 in Morocco, will aim for a repeat performance when the tournament returns to the North African nation. Initially scheduled for 2024, WAFCON was postponed to 2025 to avoid clashing with the Olympic Games in Paris, held from 6 July to 11 August 2024. The competition is now set to take place from 5 to 26 July 2025.
In preparation, Banyana Banyana will convene in Johannesburg on Monday, 25 November, just days after Dr. Ellis names the squad for two international friendlies against Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz. These matches, scheduled for 29 November and 2 December in Montego Bay, will provide crucial match practice for the reigning African champions.
Banyana Banyana’s group-stage clashes promise to test their mettle as they aim to assert their dominance once again on African soil.
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