Banyana Banyana have announced their starting XI to face Zambia in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
Desiree Ellis and her team have qualified for their eighth successive semi-finals and reached the final in three out of the previous seven editions. Overall, they’ve reached the final five times, but are yet to win the tournament.
However, Banyana are somewhat of the favourites for this year’s edition after winning all of their four games so far, including their opener against defending champions Nigeria.
Zambia, meanwhile, are somewhat of the surprise package of the competition so far, despite missing their star player Barbra Banda.
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They are still unbeaten, winning two and drawing two, and eliminated a favoured Senegal side on penalties in the quarter-final. Similar to Banyana, Zambia have only conceded two goals so far, while they have netted six times.
Before the current tournament, Zambia had only won one game in three previous WAFCON participations, making their achievement in 2022 so far all the more impressive.
Here is how they line up:
Banyana XI: Dlamini, Gamede, Mbane, Matlou, Dhlamini, Cesane, Jane, Motlhalo, Smidt, Kgadiete, Seoposenwe.
Subs: Swart, Ramalepe, Van Wyk, Magaia, Kgoale, Biyana, Moodaly, Ngobeni, Motau, Majiya.
Zambia XI: Musonda, Mweemba, Belemu, Oseke, Chanda, Mapepa, Suzeni, Tembo, Lungu, Musase, Chitundu
