Four things Banyana must get right against Algeria

Banyana Banyana find themselves in a must-win situation against Algeria in the second leg of their 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Algiers on Wednesday.

The South Africans are leading 2-0 from the first leg in Johannesburg, but an aggregate defeat will see them miss out on qualification for the continental finals and the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Here are three things they must get right against the tricky Algerians.

Score early

Banyana Banyana are taking a 2-0 lead into this second leg, but this is a dangerous score line because if Algeria score first they will have upward momentum.

Banyana will have to make sure they are next to score in the game to step up pressure on Algeria, who will be desperate to get back in the game.

Acclimatise quickly

After their first training session in Algiers on Monday, coach Desiree Ellis reported that the weather in North Africa is on the chilly side. 

It may be a bit challenging for some locally based players to adjust, but the climatic conditions will not be too testing for the nine SA players, who are based in Europe and the US.

Keep possession for most of the game and convert chances

In the first match in familiar home conditions, Banyana  gave away possession too easily, squandering most of the chances they created.

To be able to achieve their mission of leaving Algeria with a place in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations secured, they will have to improve  significantly in the possession and conversion stakes.

Senior players must step up

Banyana have nine foreign-based players in Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Noko Matlou, Refiloe Jane, Nomvula Kgoale, Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana, Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia, who must come to the party.

Most of the responsibility for getting a favourable result will be on the shoulders of senior players such as Matlou, Jane, Kgatlana, Motlhalo and Andile Dlamini and Sibulele Holweni, who are based in SA.