Banyana Banyana are determined to bounce back when they face Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash today, Friday, 31 July 2026. The team is confident that the lessons learned from their opening match have sharpened their focus as they prepare for a must-win encounter.
Forward Thembi Kgatlana believes the squad has used the disappointment of the first result as motivation and is ready to deliver a much-improved performance.
“Football is a game of emotions. Everyone wants to win, but what matters is how a team responds after a loss. We’ve reflected, worked on what we need to improve, and we’re ready to execute our game plan. We need to increase our tempo and threaten the goal much earlier,” said Kgatlana.
That belief is shared throughout the squad, with midfielder Gabriela Salgado saying the players have regrouped, learned from the opening match and are united in their determination to produce great results. As she closes in on a potential 50th cap, Salgado says the team’s priority remains securing all three points.
“We took a lot of lessons from the first game and we know exactly what we need to do going into this match. We’ve come together as a team and we’re ready to fight for each other. Our focus is on ourselves and making sure we go out there and get the win,” said Salgado.
Head coach Desiree Ellis says the focus has shifted entirely to the challenge ahead, and the technical team has prepared the players for different scenarios against a physical Côte d’Ivoire side.
“It’s another game against a different opponent. We’ve prepared well, looked at different tactical options and the mood in camp is really positive. Every game in the group is important, and this is a fresh opportunity for us,” said Ellis.
Backing the team ahead of the must-win encounter, Sasol’s Group Brand and Sponsorships Manager, Dean Somerset, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering support for the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana.
“As the premier sponsor of Banyana Banyana, Sasol is behind the team every step of the way as they take on Côte d’Ivoire. We believe in the work that the coach and her technical staff have put in and the continued focus on getting the players ready for their second and most important match of the tournament. The team is #NtswembuNamanje – strong, fearless and ready to represent South Africa with excellence.”
With qualification to the knockout stages still firmly within reach, Banyana Banyana will be looking to produce a spirited response and reignite their WAFCON campaign against Côte d’Ivoire.
The match kicks off at 19:00 and will be broadcast live on SABC 2 and SABC 3.
