Isabella Ludwig: Consistency is crucial in COSAFA Cup

South Africa registered a 1-0 win over a stubborn Namibia in the opening match of the competition, and will next face Eswatini and Seychelles. 

Ludwig, who was named the Player of the Match in the Namibia fixture, says their opening victory sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.

"I was able to put the work in and obviously got the result from that – the team got the result, and that's the most important thing," said Ludwig.

"I think it sets the precedent for the rest of the tournament, it's obviously important that we keep winning so we don't put pressure on ourselves.

"Obviously anything can happen in the tournament, so it's important that we stay consistent and get our three points [in each of the group matches]."

South Africa are second on the table on three points, level with Namibia who have a superior goal difference after defeating Seychelles 6-0. 

Banyana face Eswatini on Friday and Ludwig says all they need is three points.

"The fact that they won 6-0 does put a bit of pressure [on Banyana] in terms of goal difference, but I think ultimately as long as we can still get the three points [against them] is what matters," she noted.

"The goal difference shouldn't even need to come into play, as long as we're consistently winning. Ultimately, the team has built a lot more chemistry now that we have our first game under our belt – the nerves are calm, so I think you can expect a good game."

Namibia will take on Seychelles in the earlier kick-off at 12:00, before Banyana take on Eswatini at 15:00 – both matches will be LIVE on SABC Sport and SABC +.

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