Mihlali Baleka|Published6 hours agoMATCH DAY | Banyana focused on Burkina Faso win despite out-of-control Wafcon fate

Banyana Banyana MUST beat Burkina Faso — but even victory may not be enough. Their WAFCON fate also depends on what happens between Ivory Coast and Tanzania. Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellissays they are aware that their Wafcon quarter-final qualification is not entirely in their hands, which is why they must do their part and rely on other results to go their way.

Banyana will face Burkina Faso in a must-win Group B finale at Moulay Rachid Stadiumon Tuesday night (10pm SAST). This is a match they have to win after a sluggish start to the tournament following a loss to Tanzania and a draw with Ivory Coast. Those outcomes have put them on the back foot as they need to beat Burkina Faso and hope the result between Ivory Coast and Tanzania goes their way in the simultaneous kick-off in Casablanca.

In simpler terms, a win for both Banyana and Ivory Coast would see Ellis’ troops finish second in the group behind the West Africans, ensuring both teams secure top-two spots and progress to the quarter-final. Reaching the last eight is paramount for Banyana. It would keep them on course to qualify for their third successive Women’s World Cup – either through a semi-final berth or the grueling play-offs should they fall in the quarter-finals. Speaking ahead of the match, Ellis said they are aware of the danger Burkina Faso poses, but expressed confidence that they have enough depth to put up a gallant fight and secure the required result.