Banyana Banyana defeats Ghana at Wafcon 2024
Banyana Banyana may have kicked off their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2–0 win over Ghana, but not everyone is convinced by their performance.
Despite the three points on the board, football analyst Brighton Bafana believes the team has much to improve if they are serious about defending their title.
In an exclusive chat with Briefly News, Bafana did not hold back, saying the performance lacked sharpness and cohesion.
“Banyana Banyana didn’t look sharp. They need to improve and play more direct football. The game lacked cohesion and was hugely disjointed and scrappy,” he said. “Refiloe Jane had a quiet game, and for a player of her experience, we needed her to take control in midfield.”
Bafana expressed concern over the team’s midfield setup, suggesting coach Desiree Ellis needs to make tactical adjustments before their next outing.
“Ellis needs to make some changes in the middle of the park. We didn’t dominate possession, and at times, we looked second-best. We can’t play like this and expect to defend our title successfully,” he added.
He also touched on the absence of star forward Thembi Kgatlana, suggesting it was felt in the lack of attacking edge.
“Jermaine [Seoposenwe] scored a good goal, but she also missed a golden opportunity that could’ve sealed the game much earlier. It shows that maybe, just maybe, we do miss Thembi Kgatlana’s explosiveness and finishing instinct up front.”
Highlighting the Player of the Match award going to defender Bambanani Mbane, Bafana noted it as a sign of where the game was won.
“When a defender gets Player of the Match, it tells you the story that the girls did more defending than attacking. That’s not what you expect from a side that’s supposed to be taking control and setting the pace as defending champions.”
Although the team benefitted from a legitimate penalty that shifted momentum in their favour, Bafana warned that it wasn’t enough to cover up a generally unconvincing display.
“The penalty was legitimate, and it boosted their confidence. Ghana were rattled after that, and it led to the second goal. But still, Banyana didn’t play like a team defending the title.”
Looking ahead to the clash against Tanzania, Bafana was clear about what needs to change.
“Against Tanzania, we have to control the game from start to finish. Dictate the midfield, string proper passes together, look for spaces, unlock their defence, and keep them on the back foot. That’s the only way to make a real statement.”
