Banyana ready for 'final before the final'

Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini says their Women's Africa Cup of Nations opener against the Super Falcons is much "bigger than it's supposed to be," but that doesn't change their target of victory.

South Africa and Nigeria have built up quite the football rivalry over the years and thus, their opening game at the 2022 WAFCON is being billed the 'final before the final.'

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The two sides faced each other in the final of the last edition of the tournament, where the Super Falcons walked away with their record ninth continental title in Ghana, while their last meeting in the Aisha Buhari Invitational final saw Banyana grab a 4-2 victory.

Dlamini is wary of the history between the two sides and admits their opening game is slightly overshadowed by the rivalry, although they remain focused on starting their campaign on a winning note.

"Your first game of the tournament is always the biggest game and what makes it even bigger is that it is Nigeria, who are the defending champions. So because it is Nigeria, the game is bigger than what it is supposed to be," Dlamini said in the pre-match press conference on Sunday.

"It's also the first game of the tournament and you want to start well. And you know, it's going to be a tough encounter, because they are a top side. They're not the champions of Africa for nothing.

"They've been consistent over the last couple of years and that is where we have to improve - to be consistent in our performances, to be able to be close enough to this, but I think it's all about the three points. I think the three points are the most important at the moment to get the tournament off to a good start."

Meanwhile, Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi said: œWhen we saw the draw, we told ourselves that this is exactly like 2018. No team is a pushover. We have a competition to play and no team can be taken for granted.

"We are here in the first game. It is not going to be easy. It is just like playing a final in the beginning. I like the fact that we are playing them in the first game. I think playing against them will motivate us."

Catch the match LIVE on SABC Sport on DTT Channel 4 and Openview 124, as well as digitally on TelkomONE and SABC Sport social media platforms.

By Web Admin