There are not many South Africans in Morocco to morale boost the Banyana Banyana but as well there, is load shedding back home with many unable to at least watch the games on televisions.
However, they have reached the semifinals of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after edging Tunisia.
Banyana Banyana won 1-0 thanks to Jermaine Seoposenwe’s 14th-minute goal in the quarterfinal game that was played at Moulay Hassan FUS Stadium on Thursday.
And head coach Desiree Ellis has dedicated the victory over Tunisia which earned them their second World Cup qualification to the fans.
“The situation back home is not good. There is a lot of load shedding and some of the fans might not have seen the game so this victory is for 53 million people out there,” she said after the game as quoted by the CAF website.
“We received so many messages wishing us well on social media, especially via WhatsApp and phone calls, etc so this one is for everyone out there.”
“The squad we selected was versatile. Each one fights for one another. The technical staff is fantastic. Credit must go to all of them. This victory is for everyone back home,” she added.
The current load shedding in South Africa started on June 28th and many businesses are being operated on generators or solar power systems while others are closed.
In making it to the semifinals of WAFCON, Ellis’ charges will automatically represent Africa in the World Cup to be held in New Zealand and Australia in 2023 along with Nigeria, Morocco, and Zambia.
“Now that we have qualified, the players will have no pressure because you know when you lose here, you have to go to the other route and you do not want to go to that route.”
“Ultimately, we are now going to the World Cup. That pressure is now off their shoulders and now they can prepare for the next game.”
South Africa and Morocco have won all their games at the tournament so far given that they won all their group stage games as well.
The quarterfinals will be played on Monday, July 18 with South Africa versus Zambia and Nigeria against Morocco.
This article has been written by Brian Aheebwa and first published on football256.com and reproduced by kick442.com as an official media partner.
